Ergonomic Risk Exposures in a Cheese Production Company; An Analysis of a Cheese Re-Introduction Task

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct an ergonomics analysis on the task which requires the employees to lift excess cheese trim from barrels and place such product onto the production lines. An absence of an ergonomics program and corresponding ergonomic risk assessments are placing the production employees at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders which would result in lost time injury scenarios as well as workers compensation claims. To achieve the goals of the study, postural angles, production room temperature, facility ergonomics training materials, employee musculoskeletal symptom data, and employee ergonomic knowledge data was collected. The data collected in this study indicate that adverse conditions may exist within Company XYZ to facilitate the presence of musculoskeletal disorders as a result of conducting the cheese reintroduction task. Recommendations are provided to ensure adequate employee training and appropriate risk mitigation methods to minimize the respective employee’s exposure to musculoskeletal disorders.