An analysis of sprain and strain injury data for the New Zealand meat processing industry from national and industry injury surveillance databases

Abstract

Data on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in meat processing and the tasks in which they occur is limited in the literature. This paper provides a summary of such data from the New Zealand industry. Despite the high incidence of MSD in meat processing in New Zealand, little research has been undertaken to identify and assess high-risk tasks and develop interventions to address them. This paper reports on the initial stages of a 2-year government funded project to address these issues. Findings are presented from the analysis of data from two injury surveillance databases. Accident Compensation Corporation national data claims assisted in defining the industry and indicated factors for further assessment, including consideration of claimants' gender, ethnicity and geographical region. National Injury Database industry data claims helped to identify specific tasks in which MSD are more likely to occur by departments and for the two main animal species processed. These factors have helped shape the assessment of high-risk tasks currently undertaken in the meat processing industry.

The application of an industry level participatory ergonomics approach in developing MSD interventions

“…This same breadth is apparent in the literature defining PE, or describing the tools and methods used in PE research. Reflecting this diversity and the evolving nature of the field, the literature about PE places more importance on considering why it is used than on defining it (Wilson, 2005), or on being prescriptive about the approach taken Van Eerd et al, 2010). Participation therefore, is often viewed by ergonomists as a means to achieve a goal and not a goal in itself (de Jong, 2001;Haines and Wilson, 1998).…”

“…Meat processing has the highest annual incidence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) work compensation claims of all major industries nationally (Tappin et al, 2008b;ACC, 2007). More recent figures show that while figures are declining, the injury rate in meat processing remains the highest across the manufacturing sector, with MSD the most common injury type (ACC, 2014).…”

“…This however was simply ergonomics in action (Wilson, 2005) and is not described as participative. Further details on these two earlier stages of the study are reported in Tappin et al (2008aTappin et al ( , 2008b. A participative approach was adopted for the final stage of the study; the development of interventions for the industry.…”

Use of pedometer-driven walking to promote physical activity and improve health-related quality of life among meat processing workers: a feasibility trial

“…The meat processing industry is the second most important sector in the New Zealand (NZ) economy, employing approximately 24,000 workers, and contributing approximately 13% of New Zealand’s exports [1]. Meat processing involves different work stages that include slaughtering, boning, cutting, and packing, which demand different physical workloads and tasks.…”

Sustained employability of workers in a production environment: design of a stepped wedge trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-benefit of the POSE program

“…Common to a production environment are injuries and diseases related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the meat processing industry is especially high, with percentages of over 90% [5-7]. MSDs may originate from personal factors such as age, genetics, and Body Mass Index [8] or various contextual factors, such as job demands, job design, seasonality and environmental influences [9] or a combination of both.…”