Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. TA 76-93, Eastman Kodak Company, Windsor, Colorado

摘要

In response to a request from the Colorado Occupational Safety and Health Program an evaluation was conducted of repetitive motion trauma at the Eastman Kodak Company, Windsor, Colorado. The facility employed about 3,300 persons. The OSHA log for Kodak Windsor from 1972 to 1976 showed the following repetitive motion trauma cases: tendonitis (84), ganglion cyst of hand (ten), epicondylitis of elbow (two), bursitis (four), myositis (one), carpal tunnel syndrome (two), and thoracic outlet syndrome (one). A questionnaire completed by 125 workers revealed another 15 current employees with some discomfort in their arms attributed to repetitive motions in their jobs. Most of the cases involved tendonitis or ganglion cysts of the hands, wrists, and forearms. Workers generally knew which motions caused pain and have learned to limit their output to a nonpainful level. Most cases have been mild, responding well to conservative management. Affected workers did not differ significantly in age from unaffected workers. Women comprised a disproportionate fraction of the cases. Many workers felt pressured and rushed in their work either by an unofficial quota system or by competitive pressures from other workers. No indication of a toxic problem was seen. The authors recommend that as much excess motion as possible be engineered out, repetitivie motions be automated, and the workplace be made adaptable to the individual worker.