OSHA Inspection: GULF MANAGED CARE, INC.

Issued

Apr 28, 1992

Abate by

Jul 31, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,625 · Current $1,969 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:
(a) The hazards of musculoskeletal injuries and cumulative
trauma disorders due to repetitive motions and undesirable
posture of the upper extremities while using computer keyboards.
While ultimate responsibility for correcting the hazard rests with the
employer, a feasible method of abatement would be the development and
implementation of a written ergonomics program including, at a minimum:
1. Use of a adjustable ergonomic chairs and keyboard platforms to reduce
back strain and undesirable posture of the upper extremities.
2. Use of a properly designed computer work station to reduce undesirable
posture of the upper extremities.
3. Reduction of stress by utilization of regular keyboard maintenance
program.
4. An ergonomics training program for employees and managers.
5. A light duty program for any employees who experience symptoms of
musculoskeltal injuries, or symptoms generally associated with cumulative
trauma disorders.
6. A medical surveillance program for evaluation and treatment of
musculoskeletal injuries and cumulative trauma disorders.
Abatement Note:
Step 1: Effective administrative protection such as employee training,
light duty, etc., shall be provided as an interim protective measure until
feasible engineering and/or administrative controls can be implemented or,
whenever such controls fail to reduce employee exposures to nominal risk.
Abatement date: 05/31/92
Step 2:  A written detailed plan of abatement outlining a schedule for
the implementation of engineering and/or administrative controls which will
reduce employee illnesses due to improper work station design, repetitive
motions, and undesirable posture of the upper extremities.
Abatement date: 06/30/92
Step 3:  Abatement shall have been completed by the implementation of
feasible engineering and/or administrative controls upon verification of
their effectiveness in reducing the occurrence of musculoskeltal injuries
and cumulative trauma disorders.
Abatement date 07/31/92

Issued

Apr 28, 1992

Abate by

May 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $675 Reduced