OSHA Inspection: RHEEM MANUFACTURING, INC.

Issued

May 13, 1988

Abate by

Jan 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $1 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:
Employee(s) at the manufacturing facility were engaged in operational
tasks which subjected them to excessive biomechanical/ergonomic
stress relative to hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and various body
areas. Musculoskeletal disorders diagnosed in 1985 and 1987 included
the following disorders:
a) Tendonitis - In excess of 100 cases, 18 of which resulted in
approximately 563 lost workdays.
b) Synovitis - Approximately 18 cases with a total of approximately 198
lost workdays.
c) Cysts - Ganglionic/Synovial - Approximately 5 cases with a total of
approximately 118 lost workdays.
d) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Approximately 14 cases with total lost
workdays in excess of 200.
e) Hand/Digit Numbness - Approximately 4 cases with 1 case requiring
approximately 4 lost workdays.
f) Epicondylitis - Approximately 12 cases documented with a total of
approximately 52 lost workdays.
g) Bursitis - Approximately 15 cases.
h) Tenosynovitis - Approximately 5 cases with approximately 44 lost
workdays.
i) Arthritis, Repeated trauma - Approximately 5 cases with approximately
52 lost workdays.
j) Thoracic Ooutlet Syndrome - Approximately 2 cases with approximately
110 workdays lost.
k) Lumbosacral Syndrome - Approximately 10 cases with approximately 124
lost workdays documented.
l) Inguinal Hernia/Strain - Approximately 2 cases with an excess of 60
lost workdays.
m) Torso - Strains, Sprains, Pains - Numerous cases were documented.
Among other methods, a feasible approach to reduction of injuries and
illnesses relative to ergonimic disorders would be an evaluation of
engineering controls, including redesign of operation(s) and or tools
and the implementation of employees training and plant awareness
programs.