Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005 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 required to perform tasks involving ergonomic risk factors resulting in stressors that had caused, were causing, or were likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Hudson Foods, Inc., Noel, Missouri, on or about 7/14/97 - EVIS HEART AND LIVER CUT: Employees are performing the job tasks of separating hearts and liver from other connected parts, including the job task of pulling on the line and the job task at the table. A.) JOB TASK OF PULLING ON THE LINE: The evaluation of this task indicates that the employee is exposed to the hazards of neck flexion, shoulder flexion, wrist flexion, ulnar deviation, forearm pronation, and frequency of repetition. These are causing or likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities. Examples of feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct these hazards include, but are not limited to, the following: 1.Incline the shackle towards the employee with the help of a rod or bar to reduce awkward postures and associated forces. 2.Reduce the width of the work surface to reduce extended reaches. 3.Provide a directional divider (such as a metal "V") to assist in the partial separation of the chicken from the entrails. 4.Provide anti-fatigue mats or shoe inserts to reduce the effects of prolonged standing. 5.Implement work-rest cycles with appropriately planned rest breaks. These rest breaks should be based on the intensity of work. 6.Train and educate the employees so as to ensure that they are sufficiently informed about the ergonomic-related hazards to which they may be exposed and thus are able to participate actively in their own protection. 7.Reduce line speeds to decrease the frequency of repetitive exertions. B.) JOB TASK AT THE TABLE: The evaluation of this task indicates that the employee is exposed to the hazards of neck flexion, shoulder flexion, elbow extension, wrist flexion and extension, radial deviation, and frequency of repetition. These are causing or likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities. Examples of feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct these hazards include, but are not limited to, the following: 1.Reduce the width of the work table to reduce extended reaches. 2.Incline work surface to reduce awkward postures. 3.Provide a chute or other gravity-assisted means for transferring heart and liver. This should be positioned to reduce the necessity for awkward postures and excessive reaches.4.Provide anti-fatigue mats or shoe inserts to reduce the effects of prolonged standing. 5.Provide sit-stand stools or lean stools to reduce the effects of prolonged standing. 6.Implement work-rest cycles with appropriately planned rest breaks. These rest breaks should be based on the intensity of work. 7.Train and educate the employees so as to ensure that they are sufficiently informed about the ergonomic-related hazards to which they may be exposed and thus are able to participate actively in their own protection. 8.Reduce line speeds to decrease the frequency of repetitive exertions.