We report on the local environment, kinematics, and star formation history of [O ii]-selected objects in the z % 0:4 galaxy cluster Abell 851, using Keck optical spectra. A large fraction (%55%) of cluster [O ii] emitters show strong Balmer absorptions (k4 8 in H equivalent width). These e(a)-type spectra have been attributed to dusty starburst galaxies by Poggianti & Wu, an interpretation supported by our reddening measurements, which show a high frequency of very reddened [E(B À V ) k 0:5] galaxies. Our spectral modeling requires starburst ages of P1 Gyr, which is shorter than the cluster crossing timescale. We argue that this starburst phase occurs during cluster infall on the basis of the radial velocity distribution of the [O ii] emitters, which present a deficit of systems near the cluster systemic velocity when compared to a virialized population (or a backsplash population). The spatial segregation of some redshifted and blueshifted groups strongly indicates that the accretion was recent. Throughout the cluster, the presence of [O ii] emitters is strongly suppressed in dense environments. Our analysis supports previous suggestions that dusty starburst galaxies arise at the expense of gas-rich spiral galaxies [i.e., the e(c) type; Dressler and coworkers]. In addition, we describe a fainter population comprised largely of dwarf galaxies (Martin and coworkers) and find an even stronger suppression of [O ii] emitters in high-density environments, indicative of more effective destruction by harassment and/or gas stripping. Comparison to previous morphological studies, limited to the cluster core, suggests that galaxy-galaxy interactions may trigger the starbursts. The high e(a) galaxy fraction in Abell 851 as compared to that in the field, however, suggests that some cluster-specific mechanism, likely related to the dynamical assembly of the cluster, also contributes to the high number of starbursts.