Unit IV Journal
What do you believe is the best approach for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) in a workplace you are familiar with? Explain your rationale.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words in length. No references or citations are necessary.
Unit IV Case Study
Instructions
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 work site 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 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
The following resource(s) may help you with this assignment.
Citation Guide
CSU Online Library Research Guide
Submit Math Center Request
Submit Writing Center Request
Textbook: Goetsch, D. L. (2019). Occupational safety and health for technologists, engineers, and managers (9th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
