Response to Discussion Question

I need you to respond to the two questions below make sure you put which post is what.

Post 1

1. Identify the primary issue in this case. Is OSHA applicable? Why or why not?

The primary issue in this case is the lack of understanding the rights of employees and management. Employees are afraid to voice the issues that they are having physically due to fear of losing their positions at the facility. Employers must:

Not retaliate against workers for using their rights under the law, including their right to report a work related injury or illness (OSHA, 2017).

OSHA is applicable because there are visits that have taken place by OSHA to inspect and the physical issue among employees has been ongoing and affecting their ability to do their job. It is imperative that employees know their rights and know that management/company will make sure that everyone is working in a safe environment.

1. Assume OSHA is applicable. Provide two (2) specific recommendations to address the issue.

The two recommendations I would have is first have all employees of the facility understand their rights and be able exercise them accordingly. Employees should not be afraid to voice their concerns in fear of retaliation. I would make sure they understand the following:

Under federal law, you are entitled to a safe workplace. Your employer must provide a workplace free of known health and safety hazards. If you have concerns, you have the right to speak up about them without fear of retaliation. You also have the right to:

• Be trained in a language you understand
• Work on machines that are safe
• Be provided required safety gear, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls
• Be protected from toxic chemicals
• Request an OSHA inspection, and speak to the inspector
• Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records
• See copies of the workplace injury and illness log
• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace
  (OSHA, 2020)

I would secondly, make sure that the previous employees who were potentially terminated due to their concerns be completely compensated for the mishaps the termination caused. It is imperative management and employees understand the rights!

References

OSHA. (2017). Workers’ Rights. Retrieved from

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3021.pdf

OSHA. (2020). OSHA Worker Rights and Protections. Retrieved from

https://www.osha.gov/workers/

Post 2

Question #1: Identify the primary issue in this case. Is OSHA applicable? Why or why not?

The primary issue in this case is management’s negligent behavior. Employees complained about arm, wrist, and hand problems during job performance, and little was done to solve or even investigate the problem. It was said that “those who complained would be let go, so the company could avoid any worker’s compensation claims (“Bryer Meat Packing,” n.d.).

OSHA is applicable under these circumstances. It is its duty “to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance (“About OSHA,” n.d.). OSHA has specific guidelines for poultry processing operations that protect workers from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The employee’s issue with their arm, wrist, and hand is classified as a MSD and could be caused from repeated use of overexertion, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, trigger finger, epicondylitis, muscle strains, and lower back injuries (“Prevention of Musculoskeletal,” n.d.).

Question #2: Assume OSHA is applicable. Provide two (2) specific recommendations to address the issue.

Breyer Meat Packaging’s management failed its employees when they became unconcerned of employee complaints. OSHA recommends that employers develop a process to systematically address ergonomics-related risk factors in their work environments and incorporate them into their existing safety and health programs (“Prevention of Musculoskeletal,” n.d.). To address the issue and prevent future occurrences, here are a few recommendations.

1. Provide Training. Employees should learn the proper use of equipment, tools, and machine controls, which may help decrease the chances of developing musculoskeletal disorders and create a more productive environment (“Prevention of Musculoskeletal,” n.d.).
2. Implement a Procedure. A procedure should be implemented that encourages early reporting of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders without the fear of reprisal (“Prevention of Musculoskeletal,” n.d.). If management creates a work environment that encourages employee engagement, employees will be more prone to express the issues that they are experiencing.

References

Occupational Health and Safety. (n.d.). Breyer Meat Packaging, Inc. (pp. 219-220).

Occupational Health and Safety Administration. (n.d.). Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Poultry Processing. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3213.pdf (Links to an external site.)

United States Department of Labor. (n.d.). About OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha