Abstract
Due to continued increases in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their associated costs a corporate-wide ergonomics program was established in 1990 at a large poultry processor. The program utilized ergonomic committees at each facility as a nucleus for further growth. Other key program elements included extensive training, worksite analysis and task design, and the implementation of comprehensive medical management procedures for MSDs. A thorough ergonomics program assessment was completed annually at each location to identify weaknesses and to ensure compliance with the goals of the corporate program. MSD workers' compensation claims and costs were reduced after program initiation. An association appears to exist between the amount of deboning performed and the cost and number of upper extremity MSD claims experienced. The results of this program support the use of ergonomics programs to reduce MSDs.
