Employees secure and hold bags using a one- or two-finger pinch grip when removing it from the bagging fixture, transporting it to the bag sealer, and feeding it into the bag sealer. Using pinch grip places significant stress on the tendons of the fingers, which can lead to injuries of the hand, wrist and forearm.

• Rotate to those jobs that use different motions and postures.
• Use automatic bag sealers.
• Reposition bagging fixtures and sealer heights vertically so the bag can be slid, rather than lifted, between these areas.

Employees repeatedly reach to bins or across table tops to obtain product for bagging and place product in bags. Repetitive reaching stresses the shoulder and upper back.

• Use diverter bars to push product closer to employee.
• Reduce width of table so product is presented closer to employee.
• Tilt work surface so product slides to employee.
• Position bagging fixtures, bags, scales, and supplies of product so employees may maintain neutral postures. Bagging fixture should be low enough so employee's elbows can remain in at the side of the body.

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 employees 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.