Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-81-217-1086, Miller Electric Company, Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Source
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
Abstract
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.
Keywords
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
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB83-202119
Identifying No.
HETA-81-217-1086
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
