OSHA Inspection: BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE, INC

Issued

Oct 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 31, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

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 ex-
posed to:
(a) The hazard(s) of cumulative trauma disorder(s) in depart-
ments 34, 47 and 48 during the manual assembly of sprag clutch-
es, roller clutches and friction plate assemblies. Ergonomic
evaluations had not been performed to identify and subsequently
modify such operations to limit worker exposure to cumulative
trauma disorders during the repetitive tasks and the resultant
injurious effects of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, gangli-
on cysts, tingling of hands and arms and shoulder sprains and
strains.
(1) In department 34, sprag clutch assembly employees were
exposed to undue cumulative trauma disorders caused by
the manual assembly of clutch assemblies, loading the
ribbons into the assembly and attaching inner and outer
rings.
(2) In department 47, friction plate assembly employees were
exposed to undue cumulative trauma disorders caused by
the manual assembly of friction plate assemblies, stack-
ing assemblies on poles and moving stacked poles along a
conveyor to the furnace.
(3) In department 48, roller clutch assembly employees were
exposed to undue cumulative trauma disorders caused by
the manual loading and unloading of clutch assemblies
from work surfaces that place the hand and wrist pos-
tures in the extension and flexion positions for the re-
petitive task.
Among other methods, feasible abatement methods shall include:
(1) Utilize ergonimic-engineering studies to identify the
worker job assignments which have a prevalence of cumu-
lative trauma disorders due to the repetitive tasks per-
formed. Determine appropriate engineering and/or admin-
istrative controls to be implemented.
(2) Improve the medical services program to provide pre-em-
ployment and periodic evaluation/examinations pertinent
to worker medial nerve distribution and muscular aber-
rations, wrist flex test, electromvelogram and regular
examination. The data obtained may be used to determine
employment options for the worker assigned to do repeti-
tive tasks, either before assignment or subsequent to
surgical correction.
(3) Provide information and training to employees regarding
the general factors involved in cumulative trauma dis-
orders, work practices for the repetitive tasks which
will minimize the levels of mechanical forces applied
and number of repetitive motion patterns.
(4) Implement the above controls and establish an ongoing
audit program to ensure continued effectiveness.
Emphasis shall be placed on the following ergonomic aspects
identified as applicable to the operations listed above:
(1) Department 48 - Redesign of the assembly working surface
for machines #400, #204 and #428 to minimize the amount-
/degree of flexion and extension used by the operator
during he placement of parts and removal of finished
products. Utilize scheduled worker rotation through
these positions.
(2) Department 34 - Redesign the manual assembly of the
sprag clutch to utilize a device to sandwich the inner
and outer rings around the ribbon material, removing the
stress from the workers hands and wrists.
(3) Department 47 - Redesign the conveyor system for line 7
to provide a smooth surface for moving the poled fric-
tion plate assemblies. Limit the height of stacking for
the friction plate assembly by a work surface designed
to respond to the weight for the assembly, so that work-
ers do not stack above the chest level. Utilize sched-
uled worker rotation to vary the weight/size of the
plates being assembled.
Abatement Schedule
Step 1 - Submit to the Area Director a written detailed plan of abate-
ment outlining a schedule for the implementation to control
employee exposure to undue repetitive motion trauma as refer-
enced in this citation. This plan shall include at a minimum,
target dates for the following:
(a) Evaluation of the extent and cause of the hazard.
(b) Evaluation of control measure options.
(c) Selection of optional control measure(s).
(d) Determination of control measure design.
(e) Ordering and delivery of equipment and materials.
(f) Installation of control measure.
(g) Training of employees in proper operation and main-
tenance of control measures and procedures, and
(h) Assurance of effective performance of such control
measures and procedures.
Step 2 - Correction shall be completed by the implementation of such
control measures and procedures and their effectiveness at
achieving compliance verified.

Issued

Jul 27, 1989

Abate by

Oct 2, 1989

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $600

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) Health care workers, nurses at medical first aid station were exposed
to the hazard of being infected by HBV and/or HIV through possible
direct contact with blood or other body fluids.
Feasible and useful abatement methods for reducing this hazard, among
others, are:
1) Provide sufficient training to the nursing staff potentially exposed
to HBV and HIV when responding to emergencies/accidents in the
facility. The training shall ensure workers are complying with the
requirements of universal precautions as described in Center for
Disease Control guidelines for protection against HBV and HIV.
2) Hepatitis B vaccine program shall be offered in the amounts and at
the frequency prescribed by standard medical practice. The program
should identify employees at substantial risk of directly contacting
blood/body fluids. Follow-up procedures after possible exposure to
HBV shall depend upon the immunization status of the worker and the
HBV serologic status of the source patient. The CDC Morbidity and
Mortality Report, June 7, 1985 may be consulted for recommendations
on post exposure prophylaxis.
3) Follow-up procedures after possible exposure to HIV shall include,
HIV testing for the source worker. If the soursce consent is refused
or if the source tests positive. The health care worker shall be
evaluated clinically and by HIV antibody testing as soon as possible
and advised to report and seek medical evaluation of any febrile
illness that occurs within 12 weeks after exposure. HIV seronegative
workers shall be retested 6 weeks post-exposure and on a periodic
basis thereafter (12 weeks and 6 months after exposure).

Issued

Jul 27, 1989

Abate by

Aug 21, 1989

Issued

Jul 27, 1989

Abate by

Aug 7, 1989

Issued

Jul 27, 1989

Abate by

Aug 7, 1989