Breyer Meat Packing Case Study - Essay Example

Breyer Meat Packing Case Study Breyer Meat Packing Case Study Question Identify the primary issue in this case.  Is OSHA applicable?  Why or why not? The primary issue in this case is the responsibility of management, if any, to address the complaints of employees regarding arm, wrist and hand troubles associated with doing the same tasks required of their positions as meat cutters. In this case, OHSA is definitely applicable because as indicated in their official website, the OSHA provides safety and health guide for the meatpacking industry, of which Breyer Meat Packing belongs.

As indicated under potential hazards, the complaints relayed by meat cutters were specifically classified as cumulative trauma disorder, explained as “tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath) , and carpal tunnel syndrome are very serious diseases that often afflict workers whose jobs require repetitive hand movement and exertion” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, N.D., par. 14). Awareness of the details surrounding the cumulative trauma disorder would assist in informing the employees and the employer that “carpal tunnel syndrome is the disorder most commonly reported for this industry and is caused by repeated bending of the wrist combined with gripping, squeezing, and twisting motions.

A swelling in the wrist joint causes pressure on a nerve in the wrist. Early symptoms of the disease are tingling sensations in the thumbs and in the index and middle fingers. Experience has shown that if workers ignore these symptoms, sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis, they could experience permanent weakness and numbness in the hand coupled with severe pain in the hands, elbows, and shoulders” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, N.D., par. 15). Question #2:  Assume OSHA is applicable.

  Provide two (2) specific recommendations to address the issue. As advised, to address the potential risk of employees contracting the cumulative trauma disorder, employees are enjoined to “use administrative controls to minimize the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, back and shoulder injuries, and exposure to toxic substances. One type of administrative control would be to reduce employee work periods in which excessive repetitive wrist bending is necessary or when the worker is exposed to hazardous substances” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, N.D., par. 27). Recordkeeping must be updated to contain information of the incidence of cumulative trauma disorder on the meat cutters to enable OSHA to determine if there is a need for a complete OSHA inspection focusing on the meat cutting operations.

By doing so, OSHA could more accurately recommend courses of action that would minimize the onset of this particular disorder. As indicated, a collaborative effort between employees and employers regarding the accurate reporting of health and safey hazards to OSHA would enable them to apply the approriate interventions. As stated, “employers who want help in recognizing and correcting safety and health hazards and in improving their safety and health programs can receive assistance from a free consultation service largely funded by the Occupational Safety and Health administration.

The service is delivered by State governments using well-trained professional staff. The service offers advice and help in correcting problems and in maintaining continued effective protection” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, N.D., par. 52). Another suggested recommendation was for workers to receive training and education to enhance the knowledge on cumulative trauma disorder and enable them to address this accordingly. It is the right of employees to be ensured of safety and protection in the work environment and OSHA governs and oversees the adherence of organizations to their standards and guidelines.

Reference Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Safety and Health Guide for the Meatpacking Industry. N.D. . 13 July 2011 .