Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders

In one meatpacking case, an administrative control approach was used to address ergonomic problems in boning and trimming tasks. Physical stressors of this job included awkward wrist postures, high grip forces, and a high workload. Observations showed that the total boning task workload was 96% of the total task cycle, allowing 4% for rest. In contrast, the trimming task workload was 80% of the total task cycle, allowing 20% for rest. One suggestion was that the trimmers could trim more of the lean shank, reducing the boners' workload. A better balance was struck between these two tasks, and an increase in lean shank yield from this modified job was documented [Gjessing et al. 1994].