Abstract
The ergonomics program and activities of a red meatpacking plant are described. In 1986 the plant started its program, which was consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guideline for this industry. During a six-year period subsequent to implementation of the program (1988–1993), the crude incidence rates and lost-time incidence rates increased. There was no consistent pattern of increase or decrease for severity rates, but a shift from lost time to restricted time was noted. The percentage of recordable disorders that were ergonomics related stayed constant. Annual workers' compensation costs (adjusted for inflation) were evaluated for seven years postimplementation of the program (1987–1993). A consistent and progressive decrease was noted. The 1993 expense was 20% of the 1987 expense. These results, limited by their descriptive nature and the hazards unique to red meat packing plants, suggest some changes in injury/illness statistics and workers' compensation costs that might follow implementation of an ergonomics program.