Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report HETA 84-187-L1966, Standard Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

In response to a request from the management of the Standard Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was made of working conditions at the site which might be contributing to the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and ganglionic cysts among employees engaged as machine helpers in the bindery area. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 75 full-time employees in the bindery area to determine the frequency of wrist and forearm symptoms occurring in the preceding month. Questions also addressed specific diagnoses which had been rendered for certain wrist conditions. Eighteen workers were medically evaluated, and videotapes were made of these workers for ergonomic evaluation. Of four individuals identified as potential CTS cases, only one was considered to actually have CTS based on both initial and follow-up questionnaires and the results of a physical examination. In a subsequent review of OSHA 200 Logs for 1978 through March of 1984, 17 conditions associated with cumulative or repeated trauma were uncovered among bindery workers. The report recommends that specific measures be taken to reduce postural stress.