A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
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Toolbox Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
| Standard industrial classification
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3751 Manufacturing (Motor vehicle parts) |
| Work setting and tasks | Manufacture of flywheels in motorcycle plant. Milling, assembly, truing, and balancing jobs were focus of evaluation. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found | Hand/arm, back, and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found | Excessive manual materials handling and lifting, awkward postures, hand/ arm vibration, and repetitive, forceful hammering. |
| Recommendations | Pre-post evaluations show that engineering controls recommended earlier have reduced risk factors and the number and severity of WMSD cases. Further controls include gravity conveyors, added hoists, and optimal workstation layouts to further reduce manual materials handling loads. Enhance efforts for early detection, awareness training of WMSDs, and risk factors. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. | HETA 91–0208–2422 NTIS order no. PB–95–147–294 |