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Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
SIC Codes: 3079 3079 3089 3134
| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3079 Manufacturing (Fabricated rubber products) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Manufacturer of industrial, automotive, and garden hoses. Tasks include loading and unloading hoses into molds, trimming, and attaching couplings. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper extremity (e.g., hand/wrist disorders). |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
High repetition and force. |
| Recommendations |
Redesign parts delivery bins for easier access, adjust height of work surfaces, and provide easier access to machine controls. Develop job rotation schemes and assign an additional worker to supply and load materials. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 87–428–2063 NTIS order no. PB–91–151–720 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3079 Manufacturing (Fabricated fibrous products) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Press operations and finishing and assembly tasks in a plant manufacturing thermo- formed fibrous glass reinforced products. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, contact stress, awkward postures |
| Recommendations |
Engineering controls were suggested for using fixtures to hold work, modifying tools (such as adding handles on files), and using power shears for cutting. Worker and supervisor training in the recognition of risk factors for WMSDs was recommended. Textured gloves were recommended for operators of hand sanders to minimize the grasping forces required. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 81–143–1041 NTIS order no. PB–83–201–426 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3089 Manufacturing (Plastic products) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Operating presses and finishing parts in a plant manufacturing plastic and fibrous glass products. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Static and forceful exertions, awkward postures |
| Recommendations |
Provide stool or sit or stand bar, foot rail to relieve back and foot fatigue in jobs requiring standing work. Reposition press control buttons and tilt material bins to reduce reach distances. Furnish rounded, properly sized handles to finishing tools to distribute grip forces. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 91–003–2232 NTIS order no. PB–93–119–360 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3134 Manufacturing (Leather products) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Shoe manufacturer. Tasks investigated included nailing heels, trimming, hand application of inks and dyes, and waxing. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper extremities (hand/wrist and elbow), shoulder, back, and neck. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Awkward postures of the trunk, shoulder, and wrist; repetition; static exertions; and use of pinch grip. |
| Recommendations |
Engineering ideas to augment ongoing efforts to reduce ergonomic stressors were offered. These included (1) installation of height-adjustable swivel chairs and anti-fatigue mats, (2) use of air-powered shears instead of scissors, (3) raising and tilting machinery with added fixtures to relieve extreme work postures, and (4) improve lighting. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 94–0245–2577 NTIS order no. PB–96–209–747 |
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