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Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
SIC Codes: 3699 3714 3721 3751
| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3699 Manufacturing (Electrical) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Manufacturing electrical cords. Tasks include winding and trimming wire, assembly of cord sets, and packing. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, static exertions, and awkward postures |
| Recommendations |
Numerous task specific engineering, administrative, and work practices controls were suggested. Recommendations were made for implementing an ergonomics awareness program for workers and early reporting of injuries and symptoms. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 81–217–1086 NTIS order no. PB–83–202–119 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3714 Manufacturing (Motor vehicles) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Assembly tasks at a bus and truck wheel manufacturer. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Back, upper limb, and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, static exertions, awkward postures, heavy lifting |
| Recommendations |
Install tilt, lift, and rotating tables in select jobs to ease manual materials handling tasks. Redesign work methods and workstation layout to minimize pulling and pushing tasks, handling loads, above shoulder height. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 88–277–2069 NTIS order no. PB–91–184–523 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3721 Manufacturing (Aircraft parts) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Manufacture and assembly of jet aircraft. Use of air-driven, hand-held tools (drills, routers, sanders, rivet guns, screw guns). |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Limited to evaluation of tool properties. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Vibration levels in use of tools exceeded recommended exposure limits for typical work shift durations. |
| Recommendations |
Continue effort to purchase new vibration reduced pneumatic tools.
Maintain or replace tools producing high vibration levels due to wear and tear.
Institute health care management practices ensuring early detection of hand/arm vibration disorders.
Allow more rest breaks when using tools with highest vibration levels. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 94–0425–2513 NTIS order no. PB–961–106–943 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3751 Manufacturing (Motorcycles) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Flywheel milling and assembly tasks in a motorcycle manufacturing plant. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb, neck, and back |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive, static, and forceful exertions, contact stress, awkward postures, heavy lifting, vibration |
| Recommendations |
Specific engineering control recommendations include reducing the weight of the flywheel forging to reduce milling time and the weight handled, and improving the work layout to reduce manual material handling and excessive reaches. Work practice controls include training in better lifting techniques. Administrative controls, specifically job rotation, were recommended until engineering controls can be implemented. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 90–134–2064 NTIS order no. PB–91–184–531 |
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