A program for control of repetitive trauma disorders associated with hand tool operations in a telecommunications...

This paper summarizes efforts to control the incidence and severity of repetitive trauma disorders associated with hand tool operations in a telecommunications manufacturing facility with 6,600 employees. Repetitive trauma disorders--including strains, tendinitis, ganglions and carpal tunnel syndrome--were the leading cause of lost time and workers' compensation expenses at this plant in 1979. The plant-wide incidence rate of OSHA reportable repetitive trauma disorders was 2.2 cases per 200,000 workhours and resulted in 1,001 lost workdays. Incidence rates as high as 4.6 were reported in some areas, but were believed to be much higher among persons who actually perform repetitive work in these areas. In the spring of 1981, the plant safety and health committee undertook a control program that included creation of a task force, a training program, improvements in the design of workstations and tooling, and management of restricted workers. During 1982, the incidence rate of repetitive motion disorders has decreased to .53 cases per 200,000 workhours and resulted in only 129 lost workdays.