Job: Pusher Operator (Fibreco) Description: Operates the Pusher Equipment Assessed: TEREX, Caterpillar Front End Loader ESSETIAL DUTIES 1. Operating the Pusher A) Sitting B) Handling Controls C) Operating Foot Pedals 2. Getting On/Off the Pusher 3. Pre-Operation Inspection Shift Schedule: At Fibreco, Pusher Operators work the standard 8 hour workday. The 8 hour shifts are from 8am-4:30pm and 4:30pm-1am with a 30 minute scheduled lunch break and two 10 minute coffee breaks. There is also a graveyard shift of 6.5 hrs from 1am- 8am with a 1/2hr lunch break. At Fibreco, there are two pushers, one at the orth End part of the yard and another at the South End part of the yard. The two operators switch every two hours throughout the day. Staffing: At Fibreco, two pushers are dispatched per workday. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 1 of 9
DESCRIPTIO OF ESSETIAL DUTIES 1. OPERATIG THE PUSHER Frequency Operates the Pusher for up to 7.5 hrs out of an 8-hour shift. Actual driving time occurs in bursts of 15s 3m. At Fibreco, a full yard consists of 69 rail cars that must be processed through the rail car dumper and then removed from the site. Equipment TEREX Frontend Loader with railcar attachments CAT Front End Loader with railcar attachment Task Description The Pusher is a piece of heavy equipment used to push or pull strings of railcars on the network of tracks on each site. They are used in place of locomotives. At the start of the shift, the Pusher Operators work with the Switchman to organize the railcars in the yard and to prepare them to be dumped. At Fibreco, the north end operator is responsible for organizing the railcars on the incoming tracks and moving the strings of railcars toward the south end of the railyard. At Fibreco, the south end operator is responsible for pushing the railcars through the dumper one railcar at a time. This requires backing the string up and pushing one railcar out of the dumper with the string of cars and then pulling forward to allow the railcar to be dumped. This is repeated for every railcar (up to ~69 per day). The north end pusher also drives the first two cars on each track to the north end of the track. At Fibreco, pushing a railcar back into and pulling forward from the dumper take approximately 30s and 15s respectively. This is repeated for every railcar. Pushing or pulling strings of cars from the midpoint in the yard to the end of the yard takes approximately 1 minute. This is repeated for each string of cars (can be as few as 3 cars per string). Total driving time per shift is approximately 1.5-2 hours. A SITTIG Equipment Pusher Seat Duration 7.5hr total/shift Frequency Up to 2 hrs Force n/a Task Overview Frequent rotation of the neck to the left or right when pushing backward in order to view potential hazards and look at the rear view mirror. The operator is seated for the duration of the operating task. Whole-body vibration when Pusher is in motion. Significant jolts and bumps when the Pusher is travelling and specifically when railcars connect. Pusher seat is adjustable ErgoRisk 2008 Page 2 of 9
B HADLIG COTROLS Equipment Steering wheel, brake, accelerator Duration up to 7.5hr Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal Task Overview The pusher operates similar to a truck or car. There is a steering wheel, gear shift, accelerator and brake. When driving backward, minimal steering is required (the weight of the railcars steer the pusher). When driving forward, steering is required to keep the railcars on the track (primarily moving forward and backward). The steering wheel is operated with one or both hands. The right foot operates the accelerator and brake. The driver frequently communicates with the other pusher and the operator disconnecting the rail cars at the rail car dumping station via a hand held radio. As well, there are many other switch controls that are used very infrequently (heat, many others). The primary grip for the steering wheel and steering wheel knob is a power grip. Wrist postures and angles vary depending on the movements. It is possible to maintain neutral wrist postures when turning the steering wheel or handling the controls. Arm rests are not present on the TEREX pusher. C OPERATIG FOOT PEDAL Equipment Travel Control Pedal Duration up to 5 hr 20min Frequency Intermittent when operating Force minimal Task Overview There are two foot pedals on the floor of the TEREX cab. The foot controls are depressed to accelerate or slow the Pusher. Operating the foot pedals requires ankle flexion and extension. The functions of the pedals are the same as those in a car. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 3 of 9
FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Operating the Pusher Static neck rotation in the horizontal plane when driving backward. Static sitting posture for long periods. Head forward posture was observed. Static postures of the shoulder when waiting for the signal to push or pull. Some drivers may rest with their hands on the wheel anticipating the instruction of the signal to move into the rotary dumper. flexion and abduction when using the steering knob to steer the Pusher. Elbow/Wrist/Hand Static gripping of the steering wheel when waiting for the signal to push or pull. Static wrist flexion may be performed when power gripping and steering the pusher. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 4 of 9
STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Operating the Pusher Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. When driving backward, try to turn the hips in the seat and get rotation from all parts of the back rather than just from the neck. File photos Back As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Stand and stretch whenever possible. Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled or non-scheduled breaks to restore blood flow to the spinal tissues. Minimize awkward sitting posture by taking the time to adjust seat for best fit before starting work. Shift hips to the back of the seat every time the cab is entered in order to promote a neutral, 3 curve spine. Reverse forward leaning postures by arching the back, squeezing the shoulder blades together and sticking the chest out (see picture at right). s Take hands off the joystick whenever not operating the controls. Let shoulders relax and hands rest in lap until required to reach back for controls again. Stretch the chest muscles to allow recovery from static postures. Sit back in the seat and combine the neck stretch with a chest stretch by interlocking your fingers behind your head and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 20s. Use two hands or alternate hands on the steering wheel in order to minimize asymmetrical loading of the shoulders. Elbow/Wrist Maintain neutral wrist posture when operating steering wheel and controls. Where possible use a power grip on the steering wheel knob to reduce stresses to the small structures in the hand. Perform wrist and forearm stretches with elbow straight to stretch muscles and increase blood flow after periods of particularly repetitive or prolonged static wrist and hand postures. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 5 of 9
2. GETTIG O/OFF OF THE PUSHER Frequency Four or more times per shift depending on how the operators have structured their breaks. May be more depending on production (if emptying railcars is slow, Pusher Operator may get off of vehicle. Equipment Pusher (TEREX, CAT Front End Loader) Task Description When on the ground, the Pusher Operators climb onto the machine using a combination of foot and handholds. The operator is to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off of the machine. Accessing the cab includes climbing 3-4 steps, opening the door and stepping into the cab. This process is reversed when exiting. ASCEDIG & DESCEDIG THE PUSHER Equipment one Duration 1-2 minutes Frequency 2-3 times/shift Force Minimal FUCTIOAL DEMADS WITH MSI POTETIAL Ascending & Descending the Pusher Significant neck flexion or rotation may occur as the operator looks down to ensure his footing when climbing on/off the machine. Reaching above the shoulder is required when climbing up the side of the machine. This can stress structures in the shoulders and arms. When climbing onto the machine, the operator is required to lean back in order to lift feet to the next rung of the ladder. This requires the ability to support a significant portion of the body weight when climbing up/down the ladder. Knee Supporting body weight against the force of gravity when ascending and descending stairs or ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee. Impact force descending the last step of the ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee, particularly if jumping down from bottom step. Significant knee flexion when climbing onto the machine. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 6 of 9
STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Ascending & Descending the Pusher Avoid sustained neck flexion when ascending or descending the stairs and ladders. Check footing then return to looking in front when climbing up/down. Avoid extreme overhead reaching when climbing ladders. Keep arm in close to the side of the body to increase stability through the shoulder joint. Maintain three points of contact and push up with legs rather than pulling up with arms. Minimize time hanging on with one arm. Knee Clear footholds of debris before climbing onto the machine. Maintain balance and beware of debris or precipitation on footholds. Avoid jumping down from bottom step to reduce stress to the knee. Always use three point contact when getting on or off of the Pusher. 3. PERFORMIG THE PRE-OPERATIO ISPECTIO Frequency Each time the operator accesses the Pusher. May be 2-4 times a day depending on the operators have structured their breaks. Equipment one Task Description Operators perform a visual inspection of the Pusher by walking around the equipment. Operators are looking for major mechanical issues (oil leaks, equipment damage). OTE: The joint ranges of motion required to perform the visual inspection is significantly less than the postural ranges required to get on to the Pusher. As well, the operator is free to use a variety of different body postures to perform the visual inspection so MSI risks for this task are relatively low. PRE-OPERATIO ISPECTIO Equipment one Duration 1-2 minutes Frequency 2-4 times/shift Force Minimal ErgoRisk 2008 Page 7 of 9
FUCTIOAL DEMADS WITH MSI POTETIAL Performing Pre-Operation Inspection flexion or extension may occur as the operator looks down to assess the condition of the vehicle or railcar attachments. Back Bending and stooping may be required to look more closely at a vehicle system (attachment, tire) Above shoulder reaching may be required if the operator decides to look more closely at a potential problem with the engine, attachment or tire. STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Performing Pre-Operation Inspection Avoid sustained neck flexion when performing assessments. Look down briefly and then move head back into a neutral position once area is visually inspected. Back Avoid twisting or bending the back when assessing low parts of the Pusher. Instead keep inward curve in the low back and go down on 1 knee to assess low areas. Move feet rather than twisting back when turning to inspect other areas. Keep arm close to the side of the body and avoid overhead reaching as much as possible. 4. EVIROMETAL COSIDERATIOS Exposure to Elements The operator is inside the Pusher cab for the duration of the time he/she is operating the machine. The operator is exposed to the elements when getting on or off the Pusher and when performing the pre-operation inspection. Uneven Surfaces The Pusher is constantly moving over rail tracks and over uneven pavement which increases the bumps and jolts inside the cab. Vibration The operator is exposed to whole body vibration when operating the Pusher. There are also significant bumps and jolts as the Pusher connects the string of rail cars and the car in the dumper or when connecting to a string of cars. The jolt will cause significant body sway but can be managed by reducing speed and communicating with the Switchman or person disconnecting the cars at the rail car dumper. Other Workboots, hi-vis vests, dust masks, and gloves are frequently worn. The operator may also be exposed to exhaust from the Pusher, dust from chip piles and particulate in the air when working. The operator is also exposed to frequent noise from the engine, radio and from the cars connecting. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 8 of 9
5. PHYSICAL DEMADS SUMMARY TABLE Job Demands Max. Weight/ Avg. Weight (Kg) Duration per exposure h=hrs s=secs, m=mins Frequency UABLE to perform Comments STREGTH POSTURE & MOBILITY EVIROMET Lifting/Carry 5 R Fire extinguisher if needed. Push/Pull 5/3 <10s F/C Complex small movements of steering wheel or controls and gross movement to open/close cab door Supporting Body Weight 3 O Getting on/off Pusher via ladders 8 or more times/shift. Gripping / Handling <1m F Steering wheel & other controls:repetitive small movements Fine Motor Skills <1m F Complex small movements of steering wheel Sitting 7.5h C Constant sitting for duration of work Driving 2.5h F Travelling fwd/backward to process rail cars Standing <5m O During visual inspection. Walking 20m O Walk from machine to lunchroom. May be repeated 2-8X per shift. Bending/ Stooping <30s R During visual inspection. Sustained Crouching/ Kneeling Climbing Stairs 5m R Go up/down stairs to lunchroom (Fibreco). Climbing Ladders 2m O Go up/down ladders to enter/exit Pusher. Crawling Balancing Throwing Frequency Ratings: Overhead Reach <5s R Climbing ladders when ascending/descending Exposure to Elements <5m O Getting on/off Pusher or during visual inspection Uneven Surfaces O When walking around site. Proximity to moving objects Vibration (upper extremity) O When outside of cab, there are other heavy equipment and vehicles operating in area. Vibration (whole body) 7.5h C Constant low level vibration when operating Pusher High amplitude impacts when connecting to railcars (frequently when looking to side in rear view mirror). : ever R: Rare - ot daily or up to 1% of shift (<5mins/day) O: Occasional - 1%-33% of shift (up to 2.5hrs) F: Frequent - 34%-67% of shift (2.5-5hrs) C: Constant ->67% of shift (>5hrs) ErgoRisk 2008 Page 9 of 9