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

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.

A Review of Relevant Regulations, Requirements and Assessment Methods Concerning Physical Load in Workplaces in the Slovak Republic

“…It follows from the above that technical, organizational, and other measures can be proposed in two basic areas: measures to reduce the level of excessive physical strain at work, and measures to reduce the level of excessive mental workload. The basic technical measures that eliminate or reduce the increased physical load at work to the lowest possible level can generally include: (according to Decree 542/2007 of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic): ergonomic adjustment of the workplace; restriction or complete ban on the use of products, tools, and equipment, which cause increased physical strain at work, i.e., technological processes; requirements for adequate microclimatic conditions [50][51][52][53].…”

“…A two-step system of the work task assessment is used: The first step includes the assessment of the working posture of the individual body parts using angles. The second step includes the conditions which in the first step were labelled as conditionally acceptable or as acceptable [45][46][47][48][49][50].…”

“…The definition of a conditionally acceptable position of the trunk, head and neck, and upper and lower limbs is shown in Steps 1 and 2. The total time during an 8-h shift in each conditionally acceptable working position must not exceed 160 min, and the duration of the individual tasks must not be longer than 1 to 8 min depending on the type of the position and movement frequency [45][46][47][48][49][50].…”

“…The total time during an 8-h shift in each unacceptable working position must not exceed 30 min. The total time of work in a conditionally acceptable and unacceptable work position must not be longer than half of the 8-h shift [45][46][47][48][49][50].…”

“…The angles for assessing the trunk position relate to the vertical plane. The angle between the plane passing through the trunk in a neutral position and the vertical plane is 4 • [45][46][47][48][49][50].…”