OSHA Inspection: SAFE LITE DIE CASTING, INC.

Issued

Nov 30, 1988

Abate by

Jan 6, 1989

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

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:
a) Employees working in the Permanent Mold Finishing Area were exposed
to undue repetive motion trauma. This trauma was due to repeated hand
and wrist exertions, excessive force, and vibrations, causing
aggravating or precipitating the Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis,
numbness of the hands and strains of the hands and wrists.
Feasible and useful methods to reduce employee stressors include but
are not limited to the following:
1) Require that grinding operators use "Wolyerine" or other vibration
reducing gloves.
2) Use burns and grinders that are consistent with the tool
manufacturers specifications.
3) Train employees in the Cumulative Trauma Disorders associated with
hand, wrist and arm movement; the importance of keeping the hand
and wrist in a neutral position, and reducing the force necessary to
grind burrs and flashing.
4) Use and keep cutting/grinding bits sharp.
5) Use electrically driven grinders to reduce vibration and cold air
exhaust.
6) Rotate employees performing grinding operations.