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April 25, 2024
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Is it more dangerous to build a refrigerator, slaughter a chicken or sew on a zipper? The Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of such things with regard to injuries incurred as related to ergonomic conditions.

Musculoskeletal disorders tend to be the most incapacitating injury associated with ergonomics. The bureau estimates that 1.8 million such disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and back strain were reported in 2000, although the numbers are probably a lot higher since they are basically gleaned from work-log samples.

Whatever the true numbers are, it’s estimated that about one-third of all injuries result in lost work days.

Ergonomic-related injuries primarily occur because of repetitive, stressful or awkward motions. Citing statistics from 1999, the BLS listed the following industrial occupations as most hazardous per 10,000 full-time workers, starting with meatpacking plants with a 912.5 incident per 10,000. Next highest were:

Motor vehicles and car bodies, 685.5; men’s and boy’s trousers, 405.5; household refrigerators and freezers, 344.4; poultry slaughtering and processing, 337.1; men’s footwear (excluding athletic), 329.0; engine electrical equipment, 328.0; household laundry equipment, 324.8; hats, caps and millinery, 301.0; women’s footwear (excluding athletic (256.7).

(See related story on March 8, 2001.)