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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-91-0208-2422, Harley-Davidson Incorporated, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

McGlothlin J; Baron S

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 91-0208-2422, 1994 May; :1-44

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1991-0208-2422.pdf

00222298

In response to a joint request from labor and management at Harley- Davidson Incorporated (SIC-3751), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an investigation was conducted into musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs and back in the flywheel milling areas. The facility employed about 500 workers in the production of motorcycles; there were 38 workers in the flywheel milling department. An initial ergonomic evaluation of the flywheel milling area was performed in 1990; four follow up evaluations were performed through 1993. A labor/management ergonomic committee was formed to solve problems in the area. The committee focused on designing, redesigning or eliminating jobs where the hazards were identified. Lighter flywheel castings from improved die cast specifications, product flow, and better milling machines resulted in a reduction of flywheel handling to 17,500 pounds per 8 hour day. A customized 40 ton press eliminated the need for brass hammers, and an overhead lift eliminated manual handling of the assembled flywheel unit. A reduction in the rate of cases of work related musculoskeletal disorders involving lost or restricted workdays was noted. A decrease was also noted in the severity rate of musculoskeletal disorders. The authors conclude that musculoskeletal hazards were reduced following the development of an ergonomic program for the improvement of workstation design. There was still a potential for overexertion injuries due to manual handling of flywheel assemblies.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-91-0208-2422; Region-5; Ergonomics; Hazard-Confirmed; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Physiological-fatigue; Physical-exercise; Automotive-industry; Author Keywords: Motorcycle Manufacturing; Musculoskeletal Disorders; Manual Materials Handling; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Metal Milling; Motorcycles; Ergonomics; Workstation Design; Engineering Controls

19940501

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1994

PB95-147294

A04

HETA-91-0208-2422

DSHEFS

3751

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

WI; OH