Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 019 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 an increased risk of developing cumulative trauma disorder(s) from taskS that they were performing; engineering and administrative controls were not implemented: a) Dept. - Modular line #2 - "W" body (second position filmed) where employees who repeatedly perform the tasks of reaching for parts on the conveyor line and operating press activated by palm buttons which requires various arm and wrist postures (repetitive arm extension, left shoulder internal rotation; thumb extension) were exposed to ergonomic stresses which are likely to result in cumulative trauma disorders. On or about 8/28/90. Among other methods some feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are: Priority 1 - Provide sufficient leg room and a height adjustable swivel chair with foot rest. - Redesign/reduce the height of the encasement of the thumb buttons. Priority 2 - Place palm press on an angled surface with wrist support. - Change the angle between the conveyor belt and the machine to 90 degress to reduce left arm extension and shoulder rotation.