| State: |
Pennsylvania |
| |
|
| Company: |
Springs Window Fashions |
| |
Montgomery, Pennsylvania |
| |
|
| Industry: |
Manufacturing - SIC Code 2591 |
| |
|
| Employees: |
850 |
| Success Brief: Changes to assembly tables reduced injuries. |
The Problem
| Spring Window Fashions, a participant
in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs, received approximately 20 compensable
cases and numerous complaints of neck, shoulder, and back pain per year from a
staff of 80 horizontal blind assemblers, who work in a standing position at
assembly tables. |
The Solution
| Assembly tables were redesigned, making
it easier to reach parts and allowing workers to raise or lower the table to
suit their height. Fatigue mats and foot
rests was also added to each station so that workers can change position while standing.
|
The Impact
| Only two compensable claims have been
reported since 1999, and none were reported in 2003. Assemblers report that they no longer have to
bend over at their tables to complete their tasks, and do not experience neck,
shoulder, and back pain at the end of their shifts.
|
| Source: Dell Pratt, Safety and Security Manager (April 2003) |
|
