Authors
West-C; Ramsey-J; Niemeier-MT
Source
Iron Steel Technol 2011 Apr; 8(4):36-37
Abstract
Scientists from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) performed a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) in February 2008 at a company that manufactures steel grating for road bridges, industrial walkways, sidewalk vent covers and other applications. A division of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers union and company management submitted the request to investigate the high number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Prior to the site visit, they identified three areas (barline, welding and saw) where they perceived most injuries were occurring. NIOSH investigators observed and videotaped these areas to document risk factors for work-related MSDs (WMSDs) and measured workstation heights and reach distances to determine injury risk. Employees were asked about their work and medical histories and any history of WMSDs. Investigators also reviewed injury and illness logs and workers’ compensation data, and compared rates of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in this workforce with national rates for ornamental and architectural metal work manufacturing facilities.
Keywords
Ergonomics; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Metal-industry-workers; Metal-workers; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Occupational-exposure; Occupational-health; Occupational-safety-programs; Posture; Risk-analysis; Safety-measures; Safety-practices; Safety-programs; Statistical-analysis; Steel-foundries; Steel-industry; Steelworkers; Work-analysis; Work-environment; Worker-health; Workplace-studies; Repetitive-work; Cumulative-trauma; Cumulative-trauma-disorders; Back-injuries
Document Type
Journal Article
Source Name
Iron & Steel Technology