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Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
SIC Codes: 3751 3843 3861 3911
| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
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 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3843 Manufacturing (Medical instruments) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Grinding, buffing, polishing, and lifting of metal assemblies in a plant
manufacturing dental equipment. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck, back |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, awkward postures, increased production
with reduced manpower |
| Recommendations |
Use of added fixtures to relieve need to hold product items in different
positions in finishing process. Installation of movable crane to assist in lifting and handling heavier
loads. Use of pedestals under machines and platforms under workers to accommodate varying body sizes of
workers and reduce need for undue stretching and bending. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 83–233–1410 NTIS order no. PB–85–179–158 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3861 Manufacturing (Photo supplies) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Wrapping, packing, and lifting tasks in a plant that converts bulk
photographic products into consumer-size packages. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, production quotas |
| Recommendations |
A variety of engineering controls were suggested including tool redesign,
workstation modification, and the use of new mechanical devices. Job rotation and work practice training,
as well as clarification of expected production goals, were recommended as administrative measures. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 76–93 NTIS order no. PB–96–115–431 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3911 Manufacturing (Miscellaneous) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Jewelry manufacturing where tasks include soldering, grinding, casting,
stamping, and packing. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found
|
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Static and forceful exertions, awkward postures, and vibration |
| Recommendations |
Recommended engineering controls include adjustable workstations
and chairs, added and improved fixtures, and tool redesign. Suggested administrative controls
include training, job rotation, and rest pauses, plus a medical management program. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 90–273–2130 NTIS order no. PB–92–133–321 |
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