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HHE Search Results
88 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(2025) Ergonomic risks, musculoskeletal disorders, and peracetic acid exposure among employees at a pork processing plant in Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Request: Management of a pork processing plant requested a health hazard evaluation of ergonomics (fitting the job to the worker) and musculoskeletal disorders (injuries and illnesses of muscles, tendons, and nerves) among employees on the harvesting side of the plant. They were also concerned about employees' exposure to peracetic acid, a chemical used at the plant as a disinfectant. Because the evaluation occurred during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, management also request... (Click to show more)Request: Management of a pork processing plant requested a health hazard evaluation of ergonomics (fitting the job to the worker) and musculoskeletal disorders (injuries and illnesses of muscles, tendons, and nerves) among employees on the harvesting side of the plant. They were also concerned about employees' exposure to peracetic acid, a chemical used at the plant as a disinfectant. Because the evaluation occurred during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, management also requested a review of the COVID-19 policies and procedures in place at the time of the request. Workplace: The plant received live hogs and produced pork products. On the harvesting side of the plant, live hogs were received and moved through the barn until they were stunned and killed. The hogs were then suspended by their hind legs from an overhead conveyor or chain. The chain moved the hogs at a set speed through the rest of the process. Employees stationed along the line did specific tasks to eviscerate (remove internal organs) the animal and remove the head. After the head and internal organs were removed, the carcass was moved to a cooler at the end of the line. Further processing of the carcass into pork products was completed on the other side of the plant, which was outside the scope of this evaluation. We visited the workplace twice during this evaluation. At the time of our second visit in August 2022, the company planned to run the line on the harvesting side at an average speed of 1,106 hogs per hour, resulting in an estimated average of 11,000 hogs processed per day. During the visit, 201 full-time employees worked in the harvesting section, which was organized into four main work areas (barn, wet harvest, clean harvest, and offal). Employees in the barn area received live hogs and moved them through stunning. Employees in the wet and clean harvest work areas hung the hogs on the line and removed the viscera from the carcass. Employees in the offal work area prepared the head for packaging; removed, separated, and cleaned viscera; and packaged the cleaned viscera. Two shifts of employees staffed the barn. The rest of the harvesting side operated during one shift of about 8 hours. However, the actual length of each workday varied depending on the total number of hogs being processed and delays in production (for example, equipment malfunction). The plant also had employees doing further processing and sanitation (cleaning) jobs. These employees were not part of the scope of this evaluation. Further processing occurred at the same time as harvesting on the other side of the plant. These employees broke down the hogs coming out of the hog cooler into various parts for packaging and distributing. Sanitation occurred overnight throughout the plant to sanitize all work surfaces and machinery in preparation for the next shift. The evaluation of peracetic acid exposure occurred at a spray cabinet after the hogs left the hog cooler and went on for further processing. There was one employee workstation with potential for direct exposure to spray from the cabinet. This was the only location in the plant where peracetic acid was applied. Our Approach: We conducted a virtual walkthrough in May 2021. We then performed the onsite evaluation during two visits in July 2021 and in August 2022. During our onsite visits, we did the following: a) Observed work processes and work practices. b) Recorded videos of harvest job tasks. c) Measured pull forces in the hog cooler. d) Collected air samples for peracetic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. e) Measured peracetic acid, temperature, and relative humidity with direct reading instruments. f) Evaluated the local exhaust ventilation of the peracetic acid spray cabinet. g) Discussed medical policies and procedures for employees. These included using the occupational health unit and athletic trainer certified unit, which were on-site at the plant, along with referrals to outside services. h) Conducted confidential interviews with employees. After the first visit, we reviewed the plant's written COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan and provided recommendations. Following both visits, we reviewed injury and illness records. Our Key Findings: 1) Most job tasks we evaluated had hand activity levels and force above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH®) guidelines. 2) Work-related upper body musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms were common among harvesting side employees. 3) Peracetic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide were detected at sampling locations near the peracetic acid spray cabinet using several scientific methods. Our Recommendations: Recommendation 1: Reduce risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Recommendation 2: Improve monitoring of musculoskeletal symptoms, injuries, and illnesses to see if interventions need to begin or be changed. Recommendation 3: Take steps to reduce exposure to peracetic acid. Recommendation 4: Address other health and safety issues we identified during our evaluation.
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(2024) Silica and noise exposures at a concrete corrosion testing facility. (Click to open report) The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a concrete infrastructure corrosion testing facility concerned with employees' exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and noise during the processing of concrete samples. The company inspected and collected samples from concrete infrastructures, such as bridges, to identify and quantify material corrosion and performance. We conducted the following activities in our evaluation: (1) observed work processes, practices, an... (Click to show more)The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a concrete infrastructure corrosion testing facility concerned with employees' exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and noise during the processing of concrete samples. The company inspected and collected samples from concrete infrastructures, such as bridges, to identify and quantify material corrosion and performance. We conducted the following activities in our evaluation: (1) observed work processes, practices, and equipment, (2) collected personal air samples for respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust, (3) collected bulk samples of pulverized concrete to determine its silica content, (4) took personal noise exposure measurements from workers processing concrete samples, and (5) measured sound levels when concrete samples were cut, crushed, and pulverized. Our air sampling found that employees were primarily exposed to RCS during sawing and pulverizing. Full-shift time-weighted average exposures exceeded the OSHA action limit and could potentially exceed the OSHA permissible exposure limit based on the amount of time spent using the masonry saw and/or using the pulverizer. While employees sawed, noise levels were above 100 decibels, A-weighted. Noise exposures for technicians using the masonry saw were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit. Depending on the time spent using the masonry saw, employees' noise exposures could also be above OSHA noise exposure limits. We observed areas where improvements could be made including workplace ventilation, work activities, and correct use of personal protective equipment. Some of the recommendations we made include (1) reducing employees' exposures to RCS by incorporating a local exhaust system for the pulverizer and masonry saw, having technicians who operate the pulverizer stand farther away from it, and limiting the amount of time spent on these tasks; (2) including those employees sawing in a hearing conservation program that includes wearing both ear plugs and earmuffs; (3) avoiding dry brushing and dry sweeping after sawing; and (4) starting a respiratory protection program.
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(2019) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and two off-site retail cafés. (Click to open report) In March 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and off-site retail cafés with 15 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, coffee grinding, and café tasks. In May 2017, we conducted the medical survey, industrial hygiene survey, and ventilation assessment at the roastery produ... (Click to show more)In March 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and off-site retail cafés with 15 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, coffee grinding, and café tasks. In May 2017, we conducted the medical survey, industrial hygiene survey, and ventilation assessment at the roastery production space and two off-site retail cafés. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also conducted a ventilation assessment in both cafés and the roastery production space location. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. An interim letter reporting industrial hygiene results and recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Most time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were below the NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Five of the 13 full-shift samples collected during the survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 13.9 parts per billion. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans was associated with higher diacetyl levels. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were associated with mucous membranes, specifically the nose, eyes, and sinuses. Most employees reported that they did not feel that their symptoms were caused or aggravated by work-related exposures. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, 33% of employees reported experiencing this symptom in the last 12 months. All administered spirometry tests (n=9) were normal. One of nine participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation, and three of nine participants had airway obstructions. We recommend moving the cold brew grinders in the basement of the downtown café closer to an outside wall and installing an exhaust fan or ducted local exhaust ventilation system to exhaust contaminants generated during grinding directly outdoors. We also recommend introducing prescribed amounts of fresh, outdoor air to the café spaces to help further reduce airborne concentrations. Further, we recommended operating the ventilation system in the roastery production space continuously during roastery operating hours, training employees about workplace hazards, and establishing a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2018) Exposure to a new cleaning and disinfection product and symptoms in hospital employees. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request to conduct a health hazard evaluation at a hospital. The request cited concerns about exposure of hospital employees to a sporicidal product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid and described symptoms experienced by employees. Employee symptoms noted in the health hazard evaluation request included burning eyes, nose, and throat; runny nose; cough; headache; dizzine... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request to conduct a health hazard evaluation at a hospital. The request cited concerns about exposure of hospital employees to a sporicidal product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid and described symptoms experienced by employees. Employee symptoms noted in the health hazard evaluation request included burning eyes, nose, and throat; runny nose; cough; headache; dizziness; nausea; nose bleeds; asthma exacerbation; skin burns; and rashes. We performed a walk-through assessment of cleaning product use at the hospital on April 9, 2015, and informally interviewed employees about their cleaning product use and any related health concerns that they may have had. We learned that sporicidal product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid was used predominantly by environmental services staff and that nursing and ancillary staff predominantly used PDI or bleach wipes for routine point of care cleaning activities. We observed that the sporicidal product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid was the main cleaning product used by environmental services staff for all surface cleaning duties. Environmental services staff were observed occasionally using other asthmagen-containing products including products containing ethanolamines, bleach, or quaternary ammonium compounds when cleaning glass, general surfaces, or bathroom surfaces. Asthmagens are substances capable of causing asthma. On July 29, 2015, we performed a small-scale air sampling and a post-shift survey of environmental services staff. We collected ten samples, including full-shift, task-based, and 15-minute exposure samples, from employees' breathing zones while they performed regular cleaning tasks. All samples were analyzed for the three chemicals found in the sporicidal product: hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid. All 15-minute air samples for acetic acid were below the NIOSH recommended short-term exposure limit of 15 parts per million (ppm). All 15-minute and task-based exposure air samples for hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid were below the limit of detection for the instrument used to detect the analyte. The limit of detection was 4 ug of hydrogen peroxide per sample and 2 ug of peracetic acid per sample. We combined all full-shift time-weighted average samples and post-shift survey results from the small-scale survey on July 29 with the results from our full environmental survey from September 8-11, 2015. We returned in August 2015 and administered a voluntary health and work history questionnaire to 79 environmental services staff and 84 non-environmental services staff for a total of 163 hospital employees. Non-environmental services staff were recruited from the same areas and departments of the hospital where environmental services staff were located. Questions addressed respiratory and dermatological symptoms, asthma and other diagnoses, smoking history, work history and practices, and demographic information. On September 8-11, 2015, we returned to perform full-shift air sampling on environmental services staff performing cleaning activities. We collected 45 full-shift air samples for hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid from the daylight, evening, and night shift environmental services staff. We also administered a voluntary post-shift survey identical to the post-shift survey used in July 2015 to all staff who participated in the air sampling survey. We observed environmental services staff while they performed their regular cleaning duties and noted task duration, cleaning product use and duration, and use of any personal protective equipment. We also assessed the ventilation systems in areas of the hospital where frequent cleaning was observed. The highest full-shift time-weighted average exposures to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid were observed in the Womancare Birth Center, Birth Center Triage, Birth Center Operating Rooms, and the Medical-Surgical areas. Full-shift time-weighted average exposure levels for hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid ranged from 5.5 parts per billion (ppb) - 511.4 ppb for hydrogen peroxide, 1.1 ppb - 48.0 ppb for peracetic acid, and 6.7 ppb - 530.3 ppb for acetic acid. No full-shift samples were below the limit of detection. All full-shift time-weighted average air samples for hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid were below established U.S. occupational exposure limits. The OSHA permissible exposure limit and NIOSH recommended exposure limit is 1 ppm for hydrogen peroxide and 10 ppm for acetic acid. To date, no full-shift time-weighted average occupational exposure limit for peracetic acid has been established in the United States. The most commonly reported symptoms in the health and work history questionnaire were nasal problems and watery eyes. Forty-two percent of health and work history questionnaire participants reported nasal problems and 40% of all questionnaire participants reported watery eyes. Other commonly reported health outcomes included, asthma-like symptoms (28%), skin problems (19%), and wheeze (16%). Among reported symptoms, some were described to be work-related, as they improved away from the facility. Users of the sporicidal product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid reported higher prevalence of work-related health outcomes including cough, shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms, asthma attack, use of asthma medicine, asthma symptoms, use of allergy medicine, nasal problems, and skin problems, with wheeze and watery eyes being significantly higher in the sporicidal product users than non-users. Nasal and eye irritation were also the most frequently reported symptoms in the postshift survey of acute symptoms. We observed increases in work-related acute upper and lower airway symptoms in employees exposed to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid vapors. Increased exposure to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid was significantly associated with increases in acute nasal and eye irritation. For employees who participated in our air sampling survey as well as the health and work history questionnaire, shortness of breath on level ground was also significantly associated with increased exposure to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid. We provide several means to reduce employee exposure to the sporicidal product containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid. We recommend that management customize the use of sporicidal products containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid to areas of high risk for healthcare-acquired infections and minimize the use of sporicidal products on non-critical surfaces and in non-patient areas. We also recommend that management provide workplace accommodations for employees who develop symptoms related to the use of sporicidal and high-level disinfectants. Management should also ensure that all heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems are functioning well and meet all applicable ASHRAE standards. Additional details and recommendations to reduce employee exposure to liquids, vapors, and mists from the sporicidal product are provided in this report.
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(2018) Health symptoms and exposures among employees at a flooring manufacturing plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a flooring manufacturing plant. Employees were concerned about respiratory exposures when polyvinyl chloride resin overheated ("burnt mix") and skin exposures during the ultraviolet-cured vinyl tile coating operation. We evaluated employee symptoms and work practices; sampled the air for hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric oxide (nitrous fumes); and evaluated the local exhaust ventilation near ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a flooring manufacturing plant. Employees were concerned about respiratory exposures when polyvinyl chloride resin overheated ("burnt mix") and skin exposures during the ultraviolet-cured vinyl tile coating operation. We evaluated employee symptoms and work practices; sampled the air for hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric oxide (nitrous fumes); and evaluated the local exhaust ventilation near the luxury vinyl tile line. Employees in hot mix areas were twice as likely to report work-related irritation symptoms as other production employees, but air levels of various chemicals were low or undetectable during normal production conditions. No "burnt mix" events occurred during our evaluation. Most employees who handled ultraviolet-cured coating, a skin sensitizer, reported skin contact. Although installing additional exhaust hoods had reportedly reduced the employees' symptom frequency, we found areas where ventilation could be improved. We recommended improving tracking and communication of "burnt mix" events, training employees on the proper personal protective equipment to use during a "burnt mix" event, and consistently using skin protection and hand cleaner when handling ultraviolet-cured coating.
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(2017) Potential hazards during harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are performed for longer periods than we observed, the repetitive hand motions would create a risk for hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis, was detected on all surface wipe samples collected (cannabis processing areas and on hand trimming scissor blades). This indicates the potential for dermal and ingestion exposures. However, the health implications from occupational exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol are unknown. Air samples indicated that Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen, was the main fungal species, while actinobacteria, common soil bacteria, was the most frequently identified bacterial phyla. Airborne exposure to actinobacteria and fungus like Botrytis cinerea can increase the risk of allergic and respiratory symptoms. Air samples for endotoxins were all below the occupational exposure limit. We also found that employees used latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions. Glove use was required for some tasks. NIOSH investigators recommended (1) changing procedures and improving tools to reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, (2) developing a cleaning schedule for work and tool surfaces, (3) training employees on tool cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and maintenance, and (4) wearing nonlatex gloves when handling cannabis, cannabis products, or equipment that contacts cannabis.
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(2016) Respiratory and indoor environmental quality concerns at a snack foods facility - Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chem... (Click to show more)In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chemicals and asbestos among employees at a snack food manufacturing facility. We performed an indoor environmental quality assessment and assessed air levels of seasonings, flavoring chemicals, and dust. We noted water damage from roof and window leaks that promoted dampness and the potential for mold growth in the facility. Our air samples highlighted several areas of the facility with high risk of exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals. We recommend roof and building structure repairs to mitigate further water damage. We also provide several means to reduce potential employee exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals.
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(2015) An unpleasant odor at an aircraft ejection seat manufacturer. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at an ejection seat manufacturing facility. Employees were concerned about an odor in the facility and health symptoms thought to be related to it. The odor reportedly permeated and remained in materials and goods of employees for weeks after they left the facility. Some employees described the odor as a musty smell and others as a chemical smell. In this facility, stock aluminum is cut and machined into smaller parts in f... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at an ejection seat manufacturing facility. Employees were concerned about an odor in the facility and health symptoms thought to be related to it. The odor reportedly permeated and remained in materials and goods of employees for weeks after they left the facility. Some employees described the odor as a musty smell and others as a chemical smell. In this facility, stock aluminum is cut and machined into smaller parts in fully enclosed computer numerical control (CNC) metalworking machines that use semi-synthetic, water-miscible cutting oils. The manufacturing process also includes painting parts in a down-draft paint booth, sewing, and assembly. We evaluated indoor environmental quality; sampled air for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metalworking fluid, endotoxin, and microbial contaminants; analyzed metalworking fluid for microbial diversity and endotoxin; and interviewed employees about their work and health during our site visit in May 2014. We found that 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine (3,5-MDMP) was likely causing the odor. This chemical may be produced by bacteria found in the metalworking fluid. The metalworking fluid also contained high endotoxin concentrations. Metalworking fluid exposures in air reached about half of the NIOSH recommended limit. Metalworking fluid was not well contained around the stock metal cutting machine. Additionally, ventilation systems and water diversion systems were not well-maintained, condensation pans in air handling units had standing water and debris, gutters were rusted through, and air recirculation rates were high in some departments indicating poor general ventilation. The most common work-related symptoms reported by employees were fatigue, headache, eye irritation, runny nose or congestion, and cough. Employees who wore gloves used latex gloves when working with metalworking fluid. To eliminate the odor and reduce employee exposures to metalworking fluids, we recommended the employer (1) isolate the CNC department from the rest of the facility with barrier walls or relocate it to a separate room, (2) install a dedicated ventilation system in the CNC department, (3) implement maintenance programs for managing metalworking fluid in the machines and recycling system, (4) develop and carry out a plan for metalworking machine decontamination, and (5) improve metalworking fluid containment at the stock metal cutting machine. We also recommended the employer provide and employees wear non-latex gloves when handling goods or doing tasks that require contact with metalworking fluids, and employees wash with soap and water if they get metalworking fluid on their skin and after removing gloves.
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(2014) Ergonomic hazards at a label manufacturing facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from managers at a label manufacturing facility. The employer was concerned about the potential for musculoskeletal disorders among employees working in the film and paper finishing departments. These employees received large film and adhesive rolls, which they joined through a fully automated system, and then cut the resulting product to size as specified by the purchaser. Finished rolls were transferred from a horizontal conveyor onto a w... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from managers at a label manufacturing facility. The employer was concerned about the potential for musculoskeletal disorders among employees working in the film and paper finishing departments. These employees received large film and adhesive rolls, which they joined through a fully automated system, and then cut the resulting product to size as specified by the purchaser. Finished rolls were transferred from a horizontal conveyor onto a wooden pallet for shipping. In May 2012, we looked at job tasks to find risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and spoke with a sample of employees about work, medical history, health symptoms, and health and safety concerns. Our observations indicate that workstations at this facility were not designed so that most people could safely perform job tasks. Employees were working in awkward postures that put them at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Specifically, hand working heights were too low or too high, reach distances were too long, and employees had to continually bend at the waist. Employee reports of back pain were consistent with the ergonomic findings. Lack of a formal training program on job tasks resulted in a workforce that had inconsistent knowledge of how to do its job safely. Some employees were required to work long hours, which put them at an increased risk of injury because of lack of adequate recovery time. To reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, we recommended the employer (1) design work areas to have a working height of 27 to 62 inches, (2) provide adjustable height work tables, (3) educate employees about musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic hazards, (4) reduce mandatory overtime hours, (5) implement a training program to show all new employees how to do their job tasks safely, and (6) cross-train employees for multiple job tasks to increase the number of employees who can cover additional shifts. We recommended employees use a pallet lift, two-person lifting, or sliding techniques when handling pallets, avoid working below the knees and above the shoulders or reaching across pallets or conveyor belts, take part in safety and ergonomic committees, and report symptoms and injuries to supervisors and medical staff as soon as they happen.
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(2014) Musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries among employees at a poultry processing plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a poultry processing plant in South Carolina. The United States Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service required the plant to request a NIOSH evaluation in order to obtain an evisceration line speed waiver under the Salmonella Initiative Program. The plant asked NIOSH to identify the potential for increase in musculoskeletal and upper extremities trauma due to the planned evisceration line speed increase. In respon... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a poultry processing plant in South Carolina. The United States Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service required the plant to request a NIOSH evaluation in order to obtain an evisceration line speed waiver under the Salmonella Initiative Program. The plant asked NIOSH to identify the potential for increase in musculoskeletal and upper extremities trauma due to the planned evisceration line speed increase. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators evaluated ergonomic hazards, nerve damage in employees' hands and wrists (known as carpal tunnel syndrome), and traumatic injuries during three visits. We assessed repetition and force in 67 job tasks, and collected medical and personnel records, and logs of work-related injuries and illnesses to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries. In an August 2012 baseline evaluation, we gave a questionnaire and tested nerve function for Fresh Plant production line employees and live hang contractors. After our baseline evaluation, two evisceration lines were combined into one resulting in a similar number of birds processed by most employees daily. In a June 2013 follow-up evaluation, we interviewed Fresh Plant production line employees and live hang contractors who had participated in August 2012. We noted changes the plant had made after increasing the evisceration line speed and assessed the effect of these plant changes on musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries among employees. The results of our baseline evaluation indicated that 41% of participants were performing jobs above the ACGIH TLV for hand activity and force and 42% had evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. The prevalence of hand or wrist symptoms (pain, burning, numbness, or tingling) was similar at baseline and follow-up. Fifty-seven percent of participants reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom (not including hand or wrist symptoms) at both baseline and follow-up evaluations. The Fresh Plant's rate of OSHA recordable injuries and illnesses was higher than the poultry processing industry average for 2009-2012. The most common work-related injuries by cause, for all years, were "cut/puncture/scrape," "repetitive motion," "fall/slip/trip," "cumulative," and "caught in/under/between." To address the potential for musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries among employees, NIOSH investigators recommended the employer (1) implement the 2013 OSHA Guidelines for Poultry Processing and recommendations from poultry industry groups, (2) redesign job tasks so that levels of hand activity and force are below the ACGIH TLV, (3) use a job rotation schedule until the redesign is completed, (4) ensure that the knife change out schedule is strictly followed, (5) provide more than one break during the work shift, and (6) enhance reporting, screening, and medical assessment onsite to improve early intervention of musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries. We recommended the employees (1) report symptoms and injuries as soon as they occur to supervisors and onsite medical staff, (2) use only sharp knives and change knives on a regular basis, (3) make sure the standing platforms are adjusted to the correct height, (4) report potential fall/slip/trip hazards to supervisors so they can be quickly addressed, and (5) follow up with onsite medical staff and your personal doctor if you were found to have an abnormal nerve conduction test result.
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