October 14, 201X
Cascades Tissue Group
1200 Forest St.
Eau Claire, WI, United States 54703
Dear Mr. Senor:
Pursuant to our conversation, I am hereby attaching a “Task Analysis – Ergonomics Report” which summarizes the results of the recently conducted task analysis – ergonomics assessment on relevant jobs your company, the Cascades Tissue Group, done on October 14, 201X. The report contains crucial information which includes a summary of relevant observations, conclusions and recommendations, as deemed appropriate.
Hoping that we are able to provide the chance to improve tasks and jobs in your company, which is considered pertinent for the overall safety and health condition of your workers.
Sincerely,
<Your Name>
123 4th Street
Fifth Avenue, New York
New York, USA 411234
Introduction
On October 14, 201X, a task analysis – ergonomics assessment was conducted at the Cascades Tissue Group located at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The assessment was prompted by several complaints received from employees regarding increased preponderance for contracting musculoskeletal disorders due to work-related activities. The discourse would provide ample opportunities to improve current tasks in terms of recommended ergonomics actions through affirming the ideal postures within the identified tasks.
Tasks Analysis – Ergonomics Assessment
- General Workstation/Environment Based Observations
- No chairs provided to workers in cutting tasks.
- No personal protective equipment are provided to workers.
- Lighting is adequate in the work area.
- Workers are encouraged to report incidences of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Process-Specific Observations
- The cutting process
- The risk factors identified in the cutting process include the repetitive use of the hands and wrists (see Appendix A)
- The use of force in doing the cutting tasks; as well as in handling the tool (cutter or scissors) (Appendix B) where the effort apparently depends on the following factors:
- frequency of cutting,
- the grip needed to firmly secure and handle the cutting tool,
- the slipperiness of the cutting tool,
- the force and concentration needed for cutting, and
- the level of concentration or force needed for cutting.
- Repetitive tasks
- There are tasks within the operating and production cycle that require the use of hands and arms with cycle times within 30 to 60 seconds.
- There are also tasks within defined operating and production cycle that manifests risks for static loading and preponderance for fatigue.
- Tasks that require constant holding of tools to be in position for 10 to 60 seconds manifest a warning level which should be duly monitored.
- Overall, tasks within the operating and production cycle were deemed to exhibit repetition for about 25% to 50% of tasks, which are also to be duly monitored.
- Changes in Position and Posture
- Standing posture must be monitored for tasks which require the knees to be partly bent on production or operating cycles that require changes in position.
- Likewise, there are tasks where the head or neck exhibited bent forward position in less than 20 degrees that require due monitoring.
- Tasks which require bending, twisting, or reaching by 45 degrees; or frequently by as much as 30% more than four hours per day without support needs due monitoring.
- Vibration
- Continuous use of cutting or power tools make cutter prone to occasional arm or body vibration which makes tasks require monitoring.
Summary of Ergonomic Concern with Regard to Risk Factors
- The results of the tasks analysis – ergonomic assessment revealed the following areas of concern:
- Repetitive tasks could pose risks to the arms and wrists
- Repetitive tasks could pose risks from bending, twisting, and reaching
- Static form posture from long periods of standing or seating positions
- Vibration due to use of cutting or power tools
Recommendation
Cutting Process:
- Ensure that cutting tools contain the appropriate weight, grip, and hold that would not impose excessive force or weight to the arms and wrist.
Repetitive Tasks:
- If repetitive cutting more than the prescribed standard is needed, the employee could be provided with a wrist rest, as required .
- The tasks could be varied through rotation of personnel.
- Short breaks could also be provided to break repetitive tasks.
Posture and Position:
- Ergonomic tools and chairs could be provided to minimize twisting, reaching, and bending.
Vibration:
- Vibration gloves could be used to lessen the impact of vibration and try to apply other personal protective equipment such as cut resistant apron (Appendix C) as needed.
Other Recommendations:
- Review and redesign the work area to improve easy access to materials and resources.
- Solicit the suggestions, comments, and proposals of the workers who are directly involved in the tasks.
- Review and consult updates from OSHA regarding ergonomics recommendations as deemed appropriate in the work setting
Engineering and Administrative Control to Alleviate Ergonomic Concern
- Rotation of workers and short breaks form the administrative control to alleviate risks of repetitive tasks.
- Engineering controls to include review of the design of cutting tools and the use of vibration gloves and personal protective equipment such as the cut resistant apron.
Conclusion
The objective of the tasks analysis – ergonomics assessment is to review the tasks within the Cascades Tissue Group and relay the suggestions methods to improve the design of tasks, activities and work setting through ergonomics approach and ultimately prevent injuries, propensities for musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related safety risks from occurring. The recommendations would assist the organization in promoting a healthy and safe working environment which is consistent with the standards proposed by the OSHA towards the best interests of the workers.
Appendix A
Cutting Process
Appendix B
Cutting/Power Tool
Appendix C
Cut Resistant Apron
Work Cited
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "Ergonomics: The Study of Work." 2000. osha.gov. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.pdf. 20 October 2013.
