Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: ERGONOMIC

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: Employee(s) in area(s) of the poultry processing facility such as the Evisceration Department performed operation(s) which produced biomechanical stress to hands, wrists, arms and shoulders resulting in musculoskeletal disorders such as, but not limited to, tendonitis, ganglion cysts and carpal tunnel syndrome. Feasible engineering and/or administrative controls to reduce the injury/illness rates might include the following: 1) A methods analysis to determine high risk tasks and associated tools, e.g., knives and scissors. 2) A redesign of tools and/or operation(s) to lessen biomechanical stress. 3) Implementation of an employee training and awareness program relative to egonomic disorders and preventative methods. As an interim measure, all tools such as knives and scissors should be sharpened frequently during each shift.