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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-81-217-1086, Miller Electric Company, Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Habes DJ

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 81-217-1086, 1982 Apr; :1-23

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/81-217-1086.pdf

00127233

In June of 1981, a preliminary ergonomic evaluation at the Miller Electric Company (SIC-364), Woonsocket, Rhode Island, was conducted. During prior surveys, cumulative strain disorders had been reported. The workforce comprises 415 production workers, who are mostly female. Observation of jobs revealed that repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist, radial and ulnar deviations, and pinching were commonplace. Stressful motions in particular jobs included: wrist flexion while inserting blades into the fixture on the Miller Molder; extension and ulnar deviation of wrists while performing the blading operation; and open hand pinching while packing light socket assemblies. The author concludes that a hazard of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and wrist existed. These disorders are likely to continue unless work practice modifications are implemented. Biochemical stresses could be reduced by workplace redesign and administrative controls.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Hazards-Confirmed; Industrial-hazards; Control-technology; Muscle-stress; Ergonomics; Electronics-industry; HETA-81-217-1086; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Region-1; Author Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders; ganglion cysts; ergonomics; repetitive hand tasks; cumulative trauma disorders

19820401

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1982

PB83-202119

A03

HETA-81-217-1086

DBBS

3699

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

RI; OH