MEAT PACKING SENG5335 JEEVANKUMAR A R

Overview Ergonomic exposures Potential syndromes Body part affected Causes of such syndromes Predisposing factors Prevention methods

Ergonomic exposures There are many serious safety and health hazards in the meat packing industry. Hazards include: Exposure to high noise levels Dangerous equipment Slippery floors Musculoskeletal disorders Hazardous chemicals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports injury and illness rates for the Meat Packing Industry as 2 ½ times higher than the national average

More serious injuries requiring work restrictions or days away from work are more than 3 times higher in meat packing than U.S. Industries as a whole. Musculoskeletal disorders comprise a large part of these serious injuries and continue to be common among meat packing workers. In addition, meat packing workers can be exposed to biological hazards associated with handling live animals or exposures to feces and blood which can increase their risk for many diseases.

Potential syndromes Cumulative trauma disorders: Cumulative trauma disorders are widespread among workers in the meatpacking industry Tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath) Carpal tunnel syndrome Epicondylitis and Tenosynovitis Trigger finger These are very serious diseases that often afflict workers in this Industry due to repetitive Hand movements Neck & Back Injuries These injuries tend to be more common among workers in the shipping department

These employees with back injuries were called "luggers," are required to lug or carry on their shoulders carcasses (weighing up to 300 pounds) to trucks for shipment. Syndromes caused by Toxic Substances Use of Ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, polyvinyl chloride causes particularly heart disease and respiratory problems. Infectious Diseases Workers are also susceptible to infectious diseases such as brucellosis, erysipeloid, leptospirosis, dermatophytoses and warts

Body part affected Meat processing industry most commonly affects the upper extremities including the shoulders and neck. Lower back Wrist, shoulder and joints in hands

Predisposing factors Factors cause CTD’S: Repetitive and/or prolonged activities. Forceful exertions, usually with the hands (including pinch grips). Prolonged static postures. Awkward postures of the upper body, including reaching above the shoulders or behind the back. and twisting the wrists and other joints to perform tasks. Continued physical contact with work surfaces; e.g., contact with edges. Excessive vibration from power tools. Cold temperatures. Inappropriate or inadequate hand tools.

Back Disorder Risk Factors : Bad body mechanics such as continued bending over at the waist, continued lifting from below the knuckles or above the shoulders, twisting at the waist, especially while lifting. Lifting or moving objects of excessive weight or asymmetric size. Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture. Lack of adjustable chairs. footrests. body supports, and work surfaces at work stations. Poor grips on handles. Slippery footing.

Prevention methods Implementing a number of ergonomic solutions into your processing operation can drastically reduce the risk of injury and save you thousands, if not millions, in the long run. Those solutions include : Ergonomic stands to position employees at the correct height Usage of Ergonomically designed tools(Eg: use of automation- such as automated deboning tools, protective gloves, knife design etc..,) Proper training on cutting meat Wrist rests at cutting stations Pallet, cart, and platform lifts Adjustable workstations Foot rails

References Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Meat Packing Industry. Retrieved Oct.22,2016,from <https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/meatpacking/> FusionTech.Ergonomic Risk factors in meat cutting . Retrieved Oct.22,2016,from < http://www.ftiinc.org/ergonomic-risk-factors-meat-cutting/>