Matt, John
Department of Industial Engineering / University of Houston / Houston, Texas, 77204-4008 USA/ 713-743- 4196 / jmatt@uh.edu
Ginsburg, Rebecca
Department of Industial Engineering / University of Houston / Houston, Texas, 77204-4008 USA/ 713-743- 4132 rginsburg@uh.edu
Schulze, Lawrence John Henry
Department of Industial Engineering / University of Houston / Houston, Texas, 77204-4008 USA/ 713-743-
4196 / ljhs@uh.edu
ABSTRACT
There is no common cause for the majority of Low back pain (LBP) and other injuries attributed to manual lifting activities, although several risk factors have been identified. Most of the efforts in preventing or reducing the severity of Low back pain (LBP) and other injuries attributed to manual lifting activities have not been very successful. However, there has been success in reducing the disability from Low back pain (LBP) and injuries attributed to manual lifting activities through the use of ergonomics. Designing the job to fit the capabilities and limitations of people with musculoskeletal injuries allows them to continue normal working activities. This assessment concentrates on ergonomic assessment and design as the key to reducing musculoskeletal injuries
Key Words
Ergonomics, Manufacturing. Lubricants. Process plant
INTRODUCTION
Occupational musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. low back strains and sprains, herniated intervertebral discs) represents a major burden on the manufacturing industry in terms of prevalence and cost. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. indicated that almost 26% of the workers compensation claims for occupational injuries were caused by overexertion, which consisted of manual materials activities such as lifting, lowering, pushing and pulling [1]
The most effective way to prevent Low back pain (LBP) and other injuries attributed to manual lifting activities is to eliminate their root cause. In most cases, the work environment promotes behaviors that cause cumulative trauma and poor posture, especially when lifting. Ergonomics principles can be used to eliminate this behavior.
The first step is to assess the workplace to identify what areas are causing or have the potential to cause injury [2]. The workplace can then be redesigned to eliminate repetitive lifting and poor posture. Changes may include use of mechanical aides (e.g. hoist, lifts) or installation of adjustable work stations.
Once the ergonomic evaluation [3] is performed and the major problem areas are addressed, each workstation should be assessed to:
- 1. Reduce static muscle load
- 2. Reduce awkward postures
- 3. Improve task design (physical and mental capacities
- 4. Improve workplace / equipment design.
BACKGROUND
The facility where this assessment was conducted averages approximately 3 Low Back Pain and injuries attributed to manual lifting activities each year. This ergonomic assessment focused on the employees who were manually palletizing 5- gallon pails of engine lubricants. This operation is currently being performed by one company employee and three contract employees. The current plant expansion will result, in the three contract positions being converted to company positions.
Low back pain (LBP) and other injuries attributed to manual lifting activities continue as one of the leading occupational health and safety issues facing preventive medicine. Despite efforts at control, including programs directed at both workers and jobs, work-related back injuries still account for a significant proportion of human suffering and economic cost to this nation. The scope of the problem was summarized in a report entitled Back Injuries, prepared by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics [4].
The DOL's conclusions are consistent with current workers' compensation data indicating that
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