OSHA Inspection: CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS - EMERGENCY COMM CENTER (MECC)

Issued

Sep 4, 2007

Abate by

Dec 6, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

MN Stat. 182.653 subd. 2:  The employer did not furnish to each employee,
conditions of
employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards which
caused or were
likely to cause death or serious injury to employees; specifically:
Operators and dispatchers that are required to utilize multiple monitor,
keyboard and
mouse devices have experienced repetitive strain injuries due to
continuous, awkward,
and repetitive motions of the upper extremities.
Abatement Guidelines:
STEP 1{To be completed by 9/30/07}:  Perform a job task analysis for the
jobs
referenced in this citation (911 operator, dispatcher and Channel 7).
a)The tasks should be identified and then broken down into the physical
motions that are required to perform the task.
b)The job task analysis shall be performed by a technically qualified
person
with specific training in ergonomics and occupational medicine.
c)From the information gathered, identify the movements in the job that are
responsible for the repetitive trauma illnesses frequently associated with
the jobs in that department.
i)Stressful postures that require overextension of the joints should be
reduced or eliminated from the job.
ii)Specifically, physically separate tasks at Channel 7 into unique,
dinstinct jobs, i.e. Door Monitoring and Shot Spotter activities, to
reduce the size of the workstation.
iii)If a light duty position is created by separating these jobs, then
determine an effective rotation schedule through the light-duty
position.
d)Determine and implement an effective break schedule.
STEP 2{To be completed by  10/31/07}:  Fully develop, write and implement
an
effective and sustainable ergonomics program to reduce the incidence of
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) with the following elements:
a)Looking for signs of a potential MSD problems in the workplace, such as
frequent worker reports of aches and pains, or job tasks that require
repetitive exertions.
b)Showing management commitment in addressing possible problems and
encouraging worker involvement in problem solving activities.
c)Annual training to expand management and worker ability to evaluate
potential musculoskeletal problems.  The training shall include:
i)Explanation of the employer's program
ii)Identifying and recognizing workplace risk factors and methods for
controlling them
iii)The importance of reporting symptoms and injuries to the
employer
iv)Identifying the signs and symptoms of MSD and understanding the
company's health care proceduresv)The process the employer is using to
address and control risk
factors, the employee's role in the process, and ways employees
can actively participate
vi)Procedures for reporting risk factors and MSD, including the
names of designated persons who should receive the reports
d)Gathering data to identify jobs or work conditions that are most
problematic, using sources such as injury and illness logs, medical
records, and job analyses. Gather and analyze data at least annually.
e)Identifying effective controls for tasks that pose risk of
musculoskeletal
injury and evaluating these approaches once they have been instituted to
see if they have reduced or eliminated the problem.
f)Establishing health care management to emphasize the importance of early
detection and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders for preventing
impairment and disability.  See STEP 3.
g)Minimizing risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders when planning new
work processes and operations.  It is less costly to build good design into
the workplace than to redesign or retrofit later.  Employees and
management should work together in the planning phase to be aware of
and considerate of ergonomic factors and principles.  Management should
actively review ergonomic solutions at least annually to continuously
improve working conditions.
STEP 3{To be completed by 11/30/07}:  Write and implement an effective and
sustainable Medical Management Program.  An effective medical management
program will prevent and treat musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).  The
program
should include ensuring the early identification and evaluation of signs
and
symptoms of MSD, making a correct diagnosis, providing appropriate medical
treatment, changing the workstation and/or process to eliminate or reduce
exposure to risk factors as much as possible.  A qualified occupational
health
professional with training in the prevention and treatment of MSD should be
selected to supervise the program.  The health care provider should be
part of the
ergonomics team, which consists of management, union and employee
representatives and others with knowledge about ergonomics.  A medical
management program includes the following elements:
a)Trained and available health care providers with knowledge in the
prevention, early recognition, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitations of
MSD
b)Periodic workplace walkthroughs with the purpose of spotting workplace
risk factors, identifying light duty positions and ensure hazards have been
corrected
c)Symptoms survey of employees should be conducted at least annually.
d)A list of light-duty jobs
e)Health surveillance to establish a base against which changes in a
person's
health can be compared
f)Training and education
g)Early reporting of symptoms
h)Standardized procedures for health care providersi)Evaluation, Treatment
and Follow-up of MSD
j)Keeping accurate and complete recordse