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Technical Assistance Report No. TA-80-109-974, Metalbestos Systems Inc., Nampa, Idaho.

Badger DW

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, TA 80-109-974, 1981 Oct; :1-14

00119725

Complaints of musculoskeletal system disorders were investigated on August 26, 1980 among workers at Metalbestos Systems, Incorporated (SIC-3444) in Nampa, Idaho. The investigation was requested by the Idaho Area Office of OSHA on behalf of about 200 employees. Job operations were observed and records of earlier employee interviews were reviewed. Company safety and medical personnel were interviewed. No obvious hazards were seen during inspection of the facility. Several ergonomic problems were identified at the various work stations, including designs that required wrist hyperflexion, forceful exertions of hands and wrists, excessive reach and shoulder extension. Review of employee records revealed six cases of carpal tunnel syndrome that required surgical treatment, and musculoskeletal system complaints reported by 31 women and 2 men. The author concludes that the workers' complaints are due to job design deficiencies and to the repetitive nature of the tasks. Recommendations are included for worker education and job redesign.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; TA-80-109-974; Hazards-Confirmed; Region-7; Skeletal-system; Muscular-system; Industrial-equipment; Industrial-safety; Physical-exercise; Clinical-symptoms; Work-practices; Physical-stress; Control-methods

19811001

Field Studies; Technical Assistance

1982

PB83-157933

A03

TA-80-109-974

DSHEFS

3444

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

ID; OH