Download Ergonomics and Safety in Manufacturing: Case Study of Acme Industries and more Lecture notes Accounting in PDF only on Docsity! MOS 5101 SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION Case Study MOS 5101-18N-SU21L-S1, Master of Science Occupational Safety & Health Incidence Rate of Acme Industries Acme Industries manufactures microwave ovens with a production workforce of 450 full- time workers. The process includes using pneumatic screwdrivers and drills and manually lifting boxes weighing up to 35 pounds from a height of 24” to a height of 36”. Over the past year, there have been 35 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and 15 cases of lower back strain reported. There were 850,000 total work hours at the facility for the year. Using the incident rate calculation (OSHA 1904.7): Incidence rate = (Number of new cases/yr)×(200,000work hrs)per facility Number of hours worked/facility/year = 40×200,000 850,000 = 9.41 Comparing the incidence rate of 9.41 against the national rate of 1.5/100 workers/year, I would believe that this should raise an alarm among the management of the organization and immediate actions should be taken to prevent and/or reduce the occurrence of the incidents. A committee should be set up and convene immediately to analyze, discuss and recommend measures to improve the work processes. Analysis Process To start the analysis process, worksite baseline screening surveys should be conducted to identify the risk factors in the work tasks. This can be done by using checklists to formally screen job features against a list of risk factors. Armed with the checklists, I would start by conducting an observational survey of the workplace conditions. I would also conduct an observation on the workers performing the task and take note of their postures and techniques. Interviewing of workers and supervisor would also be conducted to gather data from those who are familiar with the work. In the case of Acme Industries, risk factors that were identified during the survey that could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and back disorders were: Awkward Postures – workers were found to be stretching and twisting their hand to install some of the oven’s components to the back of it while standing at their work station. Forceful exertions – workers need to use a force to attach the door of the oven to the hinge. Repetitive and prolong activities – workers working at assembly line were task with doing same installation process for extended period of time with no rotation of duties. Excessive vibrations from power tools - workers were found to be using pneumatic screwdrivers and drills to carry out their task. Bad body mechanic – workers were found kneeling down and bending their head sideways at their work stations to secure the screws to the underside of the microwave oven. Lifting or moving objects of excessive weight - workers were found having to lift the boxes of packed microwave oven manually and alone. Physical Stress Exposure to the ergonomic risk factors may also cause or contribute to workers suffering from physical stress that could lead to injuries as most often the risk factors act in combination to create a hazard. Physical stress could also have adverse effects on the
