Abstract
The objective this study was to assess ergonomic factors, posture and biomechanics of workers of a broiler egg hatchery. The analysis of ergonomic factors was based on physical work load, thermal environment, and exposure to light and noise. The posture of workers was analyzed using photographic records which were evaluated by the software program OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System). A biomechanics analysis was also performed based on the photographs taken of the employee at various angles, which were used as inputs to the Michigan two-dimensional biomechanical model software program. The results show that certain activities can be considered unhealthy due to the exposure of employees to physical and thermal overload. The continuous noise levels and lighting were outside the range considered adequate by the regulations of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. The manner in which certain activities are carried out when associated with weight and poor posture can result in body lesions in broiler hatchery employees. It is therefore necessary to apply specific ergonomic programs, including scheduled breaks, training, and other measures in order to reduce or to eliminate the risks involved in these activities.
Highlights
In the last decades, the Brazilian poultry industry has expanded internationally and can be considered an industrial complex that should not be analyzed from the production perspective, and through a systemic approach considering technology developments, production efficiency, and diversification of consumption (Tinôco et al, 2004; Menegali et al, 2010).The concern of the poultry industry to maintain high productivity levels while complying with the rigorous standards of the domestic and international markets relative to environmental sustainability and animal and human welfare has fostered the emergence and the adoption of technical standards that regulate the entire poultry production process
Issues related to the ergonomics of workers of the broiler industry can be improved and provide welfare to those employees
The objective of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic factors that affect the employees working in a broiler hatchery and to analyze the effect of different postures on their health, based on postural and biomechanical analysis
Summary
The Brazilian poultry industry has expanded internationally and can be considered an industrial complex that should not be analyzed from the production perspective, and through a systemic approach considering technology developments, production efficiency, and diversification of consumption (Tinôco et al, 2004; Menegali et al, 2010).The concern of the poultry industry to maintain high productivity levels while complying with the rigorous standards of the domestic and international markets relative to environmental sustainability and animal and human welfare has fostered the emergence and the adoption of technical standards that regulate the entire poultry production process. In the context of production, the egg incubation process stands out as a potential source of infection for birds and workers due to the large numbers of undesirable microorganisms present in the environment and to the tasks that result in unhealthy working conditions (Tinôco, 2001; Tessari et al, 2002; Menegali et al, 2010). In this sense, issues related to the ergonomics of workers of the broiler industry can be improved and provide welfare to those employees.
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