Exertion Perception When Performing Cutting Tasks in Poultry Slaughterhouses: Risk Assessment of Developing Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Adriana Seára Tirloni,Salvador Francisco Tirloni,Diogo Cunha Dos Reis,Antônio Renato Pereira Moro

doi:10.3390/ijerph17249534

Abstract

Brazil is the leader in poultry meat exports, in which most products are in the form of cuts. This study analyzed the exertion perception of poultry slaughterhouses workers when performing cutting tasks, as well as the influence of knife sharpness on the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders by Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) method. Participants (n = 101) from three slaughterhouses were asked to rate their perceived exertion on the Borg scale during the cutting task when the knife was well and poorly sharpened. The OCRA results showed that the score for cutting with a dull knife was greater (43.57 ± 13.51) than with a sharp knife (23.79 ± 3.10) (p < 0.001). Consequently, there was a significant increase in the risk level of acquiring upper-limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSD) by using a “poorly sharpened” knife (29%; p < 0.001; Borg scale 2–8). Thus, maintaining well-sharpened knives for optimal performance of the cutting task (fewer technical actions) is suggested, as well as including knife sharpening in the standard operating procedure to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

Highlights

The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein stated that Brazil was the leader in poultry meat exports and the third largest producer in the world in 2019 [1]
There was a high correlation between the cycle time and the number of technical actions per cycle (r = 949; p < 0.001)
The current work corroborates previous research, since the average of repetitive actions performed by poultry slaughterhouse workers was high (59.1, 63.7, 64.4, 79.8, 75.5 actions/min, respectively); and represented 8 to 10 points on the Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA)

Summary

Introduction

The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein stated that Brazil was the leader in poultry meat exports and the third largest producer in the world in 2019 [1]. According to an annual report, the type of product that led the exports were the cuts (67%) [1], that is, tasks were performed by machinery and/or workers using a hand tool. The use of a knife and gloves [4,5] along with the increasing levels of hand activity and force [6,7] were associated with. WMSDs. One of the factors that cause UL-WMSDs is high force exertions or mechanical compression of tissues, especially in the hands [8]. Poultry slaughterhouse workers perform heavy exertions, whether to carry out a task or to maintain control of equipment or tools [3]

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Discussion

Conclusion