Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders

NIOSH was asked to evaluate musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in the upper neck and shoulder areas as well as the lower back, buttocks, and legs of cashiers. The pain was thought to result from operating registers at express checkout counters in a supermarket. In analyzing workstation design and job task factors that could account for the above problems, the investigators interviewed a number of cashiers. The cashiers related their musculoskeletal complaints specifically to certain design characteristics of the checkout counters. They indicated that

• the far corner of the checkout counter required extended reaching for items, resulting in excessive trunk flexion and bending,

• the register keyboard height and distance induced static stress and shoulder flexion, and

• other tasks performed at the workstations required constant twisting because of the layout.