Abstract
This study reports the results of an ergonomics demonstration project implemented at a medical device manufacturing plant that was concerned about the high incidence of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTD). Plant records were reviewed to target high risk jobs for intervention and to establish baseline incidence and severity rates for future comparisons. A multi-disciplinary team based approach was to used identify problems and effect workplace changes. With the guidance of the ergonomist, the team conducted task analysis of selected high risk operations, developed solutions, validated them for feasibility and cost-effectiveness on a prototype workstation, and, after implementing the changes on the production line, measured the effectiveness of the changes. The plant-wide severity rate based on lost-time was reduced from 154.9 to 67.8 lost-time days per 200 000 worker-hours over a one-year period. The incidence and severity rates were reduced significantly for the redesigned jobs.
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