Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005 Hazard: ERGONOMIC

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Saftey 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 hemmers, particulaly leg hemmers, were exposed tlo cumulative trauma stressors to the hands and wrists, shoulders neck and back: a) Hemmers Feasible methods of abatement for this instance include, but are not limited to, the following: -Establish a comprehensive ergonomic control program, including engineering and administrative control, and close medical surveillance, as described at the end of the citation. -Design and provide a padded arm rest to reduce passive work strain. -Investigate sit/stand options. -Relocate/reposition the sewing machines so that the worker can sit erect and perform his/her tasks. If the sewing machine is canted to the right or left, the machine operator could center his/her shoulders, neck, and head to be able to observe the active sewing area. As an alternative, if mirrors were placed on supports at the sides of the sewing machine, the operator could observe the active sewing area by looking into the mirror. -Pad the edges of all sewing work stations subject to machine operators resting or supporting forearms. -Change foot controls connected to mechanical rod to an electric switch which can be moved to fit variable employee positions, leg lengths, or used as knee control. This will allow additional use of swivel chairs. -Design and provide a device or mockup to support work during the hemming operation.