OSHA Inspection: E. I. DUPONT DENEMOURS & CO., INC.

Issued

Apr 11, 1988

Abate by

Aug 23, 1988

Penalty

Initial $810

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
repetitive lifting tasks causing cumulative trauma disorders or carpal
tunnel syndrome and tendonitis:
a) Textile Finishing Area - employees (inspectors) examining, handling
and packing spools of nylon yarn varying in weight from ten (10) to
seventeen (17) pounds, on or about January 6, 1988.
AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO CORRECT THIS
HAZARD IS TO IMPLEMENT ENGINEERING AND/OR ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS WHICH
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1) The establishment of an exercise routine which include stretching/
flexibility and strength movements scheduled during the regular work
shift.
2) The installation of work tables that can be automatically adjusted to
various heights to minimize the distance the spools are lifted.
3) The placement of mechanical lifting devices to lessen lifting
frequency and total weight lifted during the work shift.
4) The wearing of wrist and/or elbow elastic restraints to discourage
bending of the wrist and provide added support for tendons and
muscles of the upper forearm.