A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
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Toolbox Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
| Standard industrial classification (SIC) | 0171 Agriculture (Berry crops) |
| Work setting and tasks | Harvesting wild blueberries. Task involves combing through bushes with a hand-held rake to scoop up berries |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found | Upper extremities (hand/wrist and elbow) and back. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found | Awkward (stooped) postures, repetitive deviations of the wrist, and repetitive and forceful motions of the hand/arm and shoulder. |
| Recommendations | Recommended engineering controls included using mechanized harvesting where feasible, and redesigning the rake (substitute material to make the rake lighter). Better work practices, work conditioning, and reducing the loads in buckets were also recommended. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. | HETA 93–1031–2521 NTIS order no. PB–96–115–472 |