Standing for a long time reduces blood flow to the legs, forces isolated muscles to work for an extended time, and increases risk of fatigue and varicose veins.

• Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.
• Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.
• Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.
• Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Workers perform various oil sack cutter tasks by reaching repeatedly to the shackles. Reaching creates stress on the arms, shoulders, neck, and back.

• Lower shackles and/or move them closer to employees so they can perform the task with elbows in close to body.
• Install height-adjustable stands so employees can properly position themselves.
• Install automatic machines and ensure they are working properly.
• Rotate workers to tasks that use different parts of the body or that work at a slower pace.

Workers use a knife to cut the oil sack. The cutting motion may entail bending the wrist. Factors such as poorly fitting gloves, slick handles, inappropriately sized handles, or dull knives increase the force that must be used. Finger force and bending of the wrist are recognized risk factors for developing many hand injuries; minimize these factors when performing cutting tasks.

• Keep knives sharp and in good condition.
• Remove damaged knives from service.
• Use knives appropriate for the task.
• Keep the wrist as straight as possible during the cutting task.
• Provide properly sized gloves.