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Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
SIC Codes: 3442 3442 3444 3463
| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3442 Manufacturing (Fabricated structures) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Assembly tasks at a window balance system manufacturer. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, awkward postures, paced work |
| Recommendations |
Engineering controls are recommended including work layout improvements to facilitate parts assembly tasks, and assuring the fit of parts to reduce assembly forces required. New employees should be given adequate "break-in" times. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 88–361–2091 NTIS order no. PB–91–197–368 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3442 Manufacturing (Fabricated structural products) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Various production jobs such as welding, grinding and press operations in an automobile components fabrication plant. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb, neck, and back |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, static exertions, awkward postures, vibration |
| Recommendations |
Engineering controls are recommended including adjustments to workstations, using larger wheels on part carts to reduce pushing forces, and using light beam controls to activate machinery. Vibration-absorbing gloves were recommended as personal equipment. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 91–086–2235 NTIS order no. PB–93–119–915 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3444 Manufacturing (Fabricated structural products) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Sheet metal forming (riveting, swedging, seaming, assembly) tasks in a plant manufacturing combustion exhaust systems. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Upper limb and neck |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive and forceful exertions, contact stress, awkward postures |
| Recommendations |
General engineering control recommendations included finding ways to reduce pinch grips and reach distances. Suggestions made to implement an employee awareness program and encourage early reporting of WMSD symptoms. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 80–109–974 NTIS order no. PB–83–157–933 |
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| Standard industrial classification (SIC) |
3463 Manufacturing (Metal forging and stamping) |
| Work setting and tasks |
Aluminum forging operations. Focus on tasks performed in pressing area. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found |
Musculoskeletal strain and tendinitis dominated injury reports. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found |
Repetitive lifting and pulling actions from awkward positions in handling aluminum pieces. Deviated wrist in use of tools (tongs), hand/wrist strains from extended holding, and kickback of lubrication guns when activated. |
| Recommendations |
Engineering controls were suggested to (1) improve conveyor systems and lift devices to ease heavy load handling, (2) add adjustable height features to presses to relieve awkward postures, and (3) redesign tong handles and use counterbalanced suspension of lubrication guns to reduce upper extremity strains. Job rotation, added training, and medical monitoring also proposed for risk reduction. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. |
HETA 95–0109–2520 NTIS order no. PB–96–115–415 |
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