Industrial ERG

1

Running Head: Unit IV

Running Head: Unit IV 2

Unit IV Assignment

The workstation chosen for this assessment pertains to the delivery of newspapers. It entails a review of the tasks associated with the handling of the newspapers at the depots as well as the delivery of these at various locations around the city. The critical elements taken into consideration by the ergonomics hazard assessment include the weight of the newspaper bundles when being packed from the delivery trucks. Loading newspapers to a wrapping machine, wrapping each newspaper, loading the wrapped newspaper bundles onto the delivery trucks, and finally distributing these papers to various destinations by way of either throwing or lifting the bundles. The stressors, hazards, and risks for each task are discussed below;

Task#1: Unloading Newspaper Bundles from delivery trucks

Here, a worker lifts a bundle of newspapers that weight about 20 pounds and then is carried for about 5 meters into the wrapping machine. This task may force a worker to reach above his/her shoulder height as they prepare themselves to grasp the bundle. Doing this up to 10 times per truck makes these repetitive manual tasks can make one susceptible to high-risk injuries such as developing Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs). Also, bending and or reaching for the bundles and placing them on the belt of the wrapping machine predisposes them to arm or head injuries by hitting against surfaces and the machines themselves (OSHA, 2015; Schneid, 2014).

Task #2; Wrapping the Newspapers

This activity entails maintaining a bilateral grip of the newspaper bundle. In doing so, one may twist their spine, especially while feeding the bundles to the wrapping machine. Besides, owing to the repetitive nature of this task, one may experience static muscle loading on the neck and shoulder areas, mainly because the wrapping process takes about 4 hours straight. Therefore, muscle pains on the legs and back can result in the limited movement space and the repetitive nature of the wrapping process (OSHA, 2015; Schneid, 2014).

Task #3: Loading the Wrapped Newspapers onto the delivery trucks.

Like the first task of unloading the newspapers, this task entails lifting and carrying the heavy bundles for about 16-30 feet. The worker must bend and lean forward when grasping the bundle. Also, one has to reach above shoulder height while reaching forward to load the bundles onto the trucks. The bending and leaning forward may strain the back muscles. Also, as one tries to lift the bundle and reach forward for loading, one may lose their balance and fall onto the ground, thereby harming any part of the body affected by the fall (OSHA, 2015; Schneid, 2014).

Task #4: Lifting and Throwing Papers

This task entails repetitively lifting and throwing the wrapped newspapers while the vehicle is in motion. The forehand and the backhand are used when throwing the newspapers. For longer distances, one may have to use greater force to achieve a longer distance. This repetitive throwing of newspapers makes one susceptible to having the tennis elbow injury, primarily because of backhand throwing. Also, the repeated grip of each newspaper may make one have the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as influenced by force applied and the diameter of each newspaper. Also, the risk of shoulder injury is present because of the forehand and backhand throwing. One may hit their arm against the vehicles’ window, especially when during longer distance throws (OSHA, 2015; Schneid, 2014).

References

OSHA. (2015). Sample Ergonomics Assessment Report. OSHA. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiHiZTluKTpAhWpyYUKHZ4WAB0QFjAAegQIAxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osha.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2018-12%2Ffy14_sh-26336-sh4_Sample-Ergonomic-Assessment-Report.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3YiMlGuCfoAIfTr5HmDJnb.

Schneid, D, T. (2014). Workplace Safety and Health: Assessing Current Practices and Promoting Change in the Profession. CRC Press.