OSHA Inspection: AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH

Issued

Apr 3, 1992

Abate by

Jul 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $25,000 · Current $14,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
%%
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were
free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to
tasks involving ergonomic risk factors including, but not limited to,
repetitive motions and postures, resulting in stressors that have caused,
were causing, or were likely to cause cumulative trauma disorders:
AT&T, FARMINGTON, CT OFFICE, REPORTS CLERKS:  THE EVALUATION OF THE
TASKS PERFORMED BY THESE EMPLOYEES REVEALED AN EXPOSURE TO A HAZARD
WHICH IS CAUSING OR IS LIKELY TO CAUSE CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS.
THE EMPLOYER DID NOT IMPLEMENT AN EFFECTIVE CONTROL STRATEGY TO REDUCE
OR ELIMINATE SUCH DISORDERS.  EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS AND MEDICAL RECORDS
DOCUMENTED A PATTERN OF CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is the full implementation of an effective ergonomics
management program consisting of the following elements:
1.  Worksite analysis to recognize and identify existing ergonomic
risk factors in the workplace.  This analysis should include
periodic surveys of the workplace conducted at appropriate intervals
to evaluate work practices and engineering controls.  Employee
participation in the ergonomic program should be encouraged through
a formal effort, such as a safety committee.
2.  Medical management which includes accurate recordkeeping of
cumulative trauma disorders.  The program should address early
recognition, evaluation, and referral of cumulative trauma disorder
cases.  It is vital to keep records on all physical symptoms as
well as medical diagnosis of cumulative trauma disorders and to
encourage early reporting of symptoms.  Systematic worksite review
of records by an ergonomic committee comprised of management and
employees should also be included in the program to keep track of
the continuing effectiveness of the program.  Using a tool, such
as an employee discomfort survey, could help keep track of new
cases and allow for early intervention.  These surveys can be
effective if given to all employees at least every six months.
3.  Training and education for exposed employees, including methods
to evaluate the effectiveness of the training.  Retraining should
done annually or as conditions change.  Training should address
hazards associated with the job, the risks of developing cumulative
trauma disorders, symptoms of exposure, and how to prevent the
occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders.  A supervisor's training
program should also be implemented to allow recognition of the
signs of cumulative trauma disorders by management and to reinforce
the employer's ergonomics program.
4.  Hazard prevention and control which includes engineering, work
practices and administrative controls.
a.  Engineering controls may include workstation redesign and change
of work methods.  The goal of this program should be to make the
job fit the person.
Examples of engineering controls applicable to this workplace
include:
1.  The purchase of easily adjustable ergonomically designed work
chairs and other work station features such as monitor arms
for the video display terminal and adjustable keyboard height
platforms.
2.  The purchase of adjustable footrests for all areas.
3.  Work stations illuminated to avoid visual glare and discomfort.
b.  Administrative controls should be implemented.  Examples of such
controls that could be put in place in this office would be,
training employees to take breaks when working steadily for long
periods of time at the same computer terminal and encouraging
these workers to get up and move around during these breaks to
increase circulation, and evaluation of adjustments made to determine
their effectiveness in preventing ergonomic stress.
c.  Work practice controls, which include procedures for safe and
proper work that are understood and followed by managers, supervisors,
and workers, need to be implemented.  These controls should include
proper work techniques, monitoring, and modifications as necessary
to minimize ergonomic stressors.
Examples of work practice controls applicable to this work place
include:
1.  Appropriate training on the basics of correct posture and body
mechanics related to their work environment.
2.  Educating employees on how to properly adjust their chairs so
that they are at the ideal height for both the desk and the
computer.
3.  Establishment of an ergonomic committee consisting of managers
and employees to reinforce education and insure safe work
practices.
4.  Regular monitoring by the above-mentioned committee to ensure
that employees continue to use proper work practices.
Step 1 - Implementation of an ergonomics program for worksite analysis,
set up of a medical management program and training and
education, as detailed in items 1-3 above.  To be completed
in 15 working days.
Step 2 - Submit to the Area Director a written detailed plan of
abatement outlining a schedule for the implementation of the
engineering, administrative, and work practice controls as
detailed in items 4a - 4c.  To be completed in 30 working days.
Step 3 - Implementation of engineering, administrative and work practice
controls, as described in items 4a - 4c.  To be completed in
60 working days.

Issued

Apr 3, 1992

Abate by

May 29, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced