Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-85-480-1771, Genie Home Products, Shenandoah, Virginia.
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 85-480-1771, 1987 Jan; :1-25
Abstract
In response to a request from the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine Workers in Shenandoah, Virginia, an investigation was made of the health effects of repetitive motions required in many of the jobs at Genie Home Products, Inc. (SIC-3699) Shenandoah, Virginia. Remote control garage door openers, motorized remote control switches, heavy duty rotators, and antenna rotors were produced at this facility. Data were gathered concerning the number of injuries and worker's compensation reports as they related to job activities, symptoms and illnesses for 1984, 1985 and January through March of 1986. The incidence of hand/wrist cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) was significantly reduced over this period of time. Many of the job interventions undertaken at Genie during this time, particularly the torque limiters on the air powered nut drivers, represented not only technology and design that reduced stressful work postures, but also facilitated production. The author concludes that ergonomic improvements in jobs where workers had experienced CTDs have reduced the incidence of these disorders over the previous 2 years. Recommendations are made by the author for further reducing biomechanical demand on some specific jobs.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; HETA-85-480-1771; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Region-3; Machinists; Hand-tools; Repetitive-work; Muscle-tension; Musculoskeletal-system;
Author Keywords: Electronic, Electrical, Technical, and Salaried Machine Workers; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Manual Work; Circuit Board Assembly; Air-Powered Tools
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB87-205951
Identifying No.
HETA-85-480-1771
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
