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Evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Musculoskeletal Disorders among Employees at a Poultry Processing Plant
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2015/03/01
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Source: Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 2014-0040-3232, 2015 Mar; :1-29
[PDF-3.27 MB]
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Description:The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a poultry processing plant to evaluate risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. During two visits, we interviewed employees, reviewed medical and personnel records, assessed jobs for repetition and force, surveyed employees and used nerve conduction tests to determine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders, and calculated recordable injury rates. In follow-up telephone calls we obtained information about changes in the plant, including increases in the evisceration line speed. Of the 32 jobs we evaluated, 81% had average levels of hand activity and force above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) action limit, and 59% had average levels of hand activity and force above the ACGIH threshold limit value. Thirty-four percent (64/191) of participants had evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. Seventy-six percent (145/191) of participants had an abnormal nerve conduction test result in at least one hand. Sprain, strain, pain, soreness, inflammation, or repetitive motion entries were the most common recordable injuries on the illness and injury logs. To address the potential for musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries among employees, we recommended the employer (1) implement the 2013 OSHA Guidelines for Poultry Processing and recommendations from poultry industry groups, (2) design job tasks so that levels of hand activity and force are below the action limit, (3) use a job rotation schedule to reduce stress to specific sets of muscles and tendons, (4) ensure that the knife change out schedule is strictly followed, (5) provide more breaks during the work shift, and (6) implement a standard process to evaluate employee symptoms and provide appropriate treatment, work restrictions, and medical referrals. 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 regularly, (3) adjust standing platforms to the correct height, and (4) promptly report potential fall/slip/trip hazards to supervisors.
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Pages in Document:36 pdf pages
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Contributor:Armstrong, Faith;Beaucham, Catherine C.;Booher, Donald E.;Cook, Albert;Dowdy, Paul;Felix, El Burai-Felix, Alia;Gersic, Christine M.;Giglio, Denise;Jean, Marc;Lechliter, John;Masterson, Elizabeth;Meyers, Alysha;Ming-Lun Lu;Moore, Kevin;Tsai, Rebecca;Watts, Shawna;Wurzelbacher, Steve;
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NIOSHTIC Number:20046023
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2015-104126
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Citation:NIOSH [2015]. Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome;and other musculoskeletal disorders among employees at a poultry processing plant.;By Ramsey J, Musolin K, Mueller C. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and;Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for;Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH HHE Report No. 2014-0040-3232,;
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Federal Fiscal Year:2015
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Resource Number:HHE-2014-0040-3232
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