Industry: Wood beam manufacturing - SIC Code: 2421

Employees: 850

Success Brief:

Changes to work stations reduced injuries.

The Problem:

The Georgia Pacific wood I-beam production facility, a participant in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs, had many jobs involving repetitive motion, and employees were complaining aches and pains.

The Solution:

Employees were asked to evaluate their specific work stations. As a result, work tables were lowered or raised, matting was added, and work stations were automated and otherwise redesigned to reduce material handling and repetitive movements.

The Impact:

The facility's injury rate dropped from 4.2 to 2.1, and employee morale was greatly improved.

Source:

• Wilson E. Sagendorph, Safety Manager (April 2003).