Case Study
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.Calculate the combined incidence rate of MSDs and CTDs for the facility for each 100 full-time workers per year. Compare the rate to the industry rate of 1.5/100 workers/year. Do you believe the incidence rate for Acme Industries is a problem?Describe how you would conduct a worksite analysis of ergonomic issues related to the MSDs and CTDs present at the facility. Make sure you list the risk factors that you believe are related to the injuries. Include a discussion of how you would determine if physical stress is a risk component in the injuries and illnesses.Finally, recommend some strategies that you believe could be used to address the MSDs and CTDs at this facility. Which regulation, standard, or guideline would you use to address the issues?Your case study should be a minimum of two pages in length, not counting the title and reference pages. You are required to use at least two outside sources, one of which may be the textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations.Resources
Zero Plagiarism, also you MUST use my tectbook as a reference and also in-text citation:
Goetsch, D. L. (2018). Occupational Safety and Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers (9th Edition). Pearson Education (US).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This case study revolves around the incidence rate of MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) and CTDs (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) in Acme Industries, a company that manufactures microwave ovens. As a medical professor, my task is to conduct a worksite analysis of ergonomic issues related to these injuries, determine the risk factors and provide recommendations to address the problem.
Question 1: Calculate the combined incidence rate of MSDs and CTDs for the facility for each 100 full-time workers per year. Compare the rate to the industry rate of 1.5/100 workers/year. Do you believe the incidence rate for Acme Industries is a problem?
Answer: To calculate the combined incidence rate of MSDs and CTDs, we can use the following formula:
Incidence rate = (Number of cases / Total hours worked) x 200,000
According to the case study, there were 35 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and 15 cases of lower back strain reported in Acme Industries, with a total of 850,000 work hours in the facility for the year. Therefore, the incidence rate can be calculated as follows:
Incidence rate = (35+15 / 850,000) x 200,000
Incidence rate = 6/100 workers/year
The industry rate of MSDs and CTDs is 1.5/100 workers/year, which is significantly lower than the incidence rate of Acme Industries. Hence, I firmly believe that the incidence rate for Acme Industries is a problem and needs to be addressed immediately.
Question 2: Describe how you would conduct a worksite analysis of ergonomic issues related to the MSDs and CTDs present at the facility. Make sure you list the risk factors that you believe are related to the injuries. Include a discussion of how you would determine if physical stress is a risk component in the injuries and illnesses.
Answer: A comprehensive worksite analysis of ergonomic issues related to the MSDs and CTDs present in Acme Industries can be conducted through the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the work tasks and activities that involve manual handling, repetition, forceful exertions, awkward postures, and vibration. These tasks put a significant amount of stress on the workers’ musculoskeletal system, leading to MSDs and CTDs.
Step 2: Evaluate the workplace environment, equipment, and tools to determine if they are ergonomically designed and appropriate for the job demands. For instance, pneumatic screwdrivers and drills used for production must have ergonomic designs to lessen stress on the wrist and forearm.
Step 3: Observe the workers performing their tasks to identify physical stressors and ergonomics deficiencies that may cause MSDs and CTDs. This will help determine if physical stress is a risk component in the injuries and illnesses.
Risk factors related to MSDs and CTDs in Acme Industries include manual handling of boxes, repetitive hand, and wrist movement during the use of pneumatic tools and improper workstation design. Physical stressors, such as forceful exertions, awkward postures during lifting tasks, and vibration from operating tools, are also contributing factors to MSDs and CTDs.
Question 3: Finally, recommend some strategies that you believe could be used to address the MSDs and CTDs at this facility. Which regulation, standard, or guideline would you use to address the issues?
Answer: To address the MSDs and CTDs at Acme Industries, the following strategies can be recommended:
1. Implementing ergonomics training programs for all workers to teach them proper lifting techniques, posture, and the use of ergonomic tools.
2. Redesigning workstations and tools with ergonomics in mind, such as proper seat height, appropriate handles and grips, and adjustable work surfaces and lighting.
3. Providing workers with job rotation opportunities to reduce the risk of MSDs and CTDs from performing repetitive tasks.
4. Conducting regular ergonomic assessments of work stations, safe manual handling procedures, hand and wrist stretching programs and the use of personal protective equipment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines on Ergonomics Program Standard (29 CFR 1910.900) provide regulatory assistance to address ergonomic-related injuries in the workplace. Health care companies and industries concerned with reducing workers’ work-related musculoskeletal injuries may refer to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) publications on ergonomics solutions to prevent injuries. With strict compliance to these guidelines, Acme Industries can reduce the reported incidence rate of MSDs and CTDs.
