The scale is placed above shoulder height for the employees requiring them to lift produce above the shoulder for weighing. Repetitive lifts of this type are associated with the development of neck and shoulder pain and strain. Pre-package produce with bar codes on the bottom so that they can be scanned without weighing at the checkstand. Work activities at rates higher than this are known to be associated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Allow and encourage the employees to take frequent breaks and encourage them to be occupied in non-hand intensive activities during those breaks.
Breaks are for rest from the highly repetitive scanning operation.
Without automation, high repetition rates are difficult to avoid in this operation. Rapid accelerations are the most injurious actions during the cycle. Employees must be trained to make smooth movements, keep the wrists neutral and share the burden between the left and right hands. Multiple identical items should be keyed in as a group. Administrative controls over pricing of like items and training of employees of such a system will mitigate this.