A slight redesign of the box flaps accomplished by cutting a corner off the final flap would reduce the amount of finger force required to interlock the flaps and still should leave the boxes structurally strong enough to hold the contents. Employees have extended periods of standing which creates static loading on the muscles of the back and legs. This is consistent with the development of musculoskeletal injury and generalized fatigue. In addition this can lead to venous pooling of blood in the legs which is consistent with increased fluid pressure in the legs and the development of varicose veins. It is recognized that the employer in this case appears to have provided two other remediations in anti-fatigue mats and a shelf where an employee may rest one leg at time.
Employees are wearing, what appears to be large, rubber gloves during the operation.
Make sure gloves fit properly and do not decrease tactile sensitivity. Gloves should be made of a material which increases the coefficient of friction between the hand and the load surface. This will reduce the hand and finger force required to perform a particular repetitive task. All employees need training in ergonomic principles so they can perform their jobs and utilize their tools and work stations in a safe manner. Training allows employees to recognize the early warning signs of a problem and to take action to prevent an injury where significant time may be lost due to surgery or incapacitation.