The Impact of Physical and Ergonomic Hazards on Poultry Abattoir Processing Workers: A Review

Abstract

The poultry abattoir industry continues to grow and contribute significantly to the gross domestic product in many countries. The industry expects working shifts of eight to eleven hours, during which workers are exposed to occupational hazards which include physical hazards ranging from noise, vibration, exposure to cold and ergonomic stress from manual, repetitive tasks that require force. A PubMed, Medline and Science Direct online database search, using specific keywords was conducted and the results confirmed that physical and ergonomic hazards impact on abattoir processing workers health, with harm not only to workers’ health but also as an economic burden due to the loss of their livelihoods and the need for treatment and compensation in the industry. This review endeavours to highlight the contribution poultry processing plays in the development of physical agents and ergonomic stress related occupational diseases in poultry abattoir processing workers. The impact includes noise-induced hearing loss, increased blood pressure, menstrual and work related upper limb disorders. These are summarised as a quick reference guide for poultry abattoir owners, abattoir workers, poultry associations, occupational hygienists and medical practitioners to assist in the safer management of occupational health in poultry abattoirs.

Indicators of Work Accidents in Slaughter Refrigerators and Broiler Processing

“…Most accidents happen with less experienced workers (Araujo, 2008;Vilela et al, 2012). Studies in slaughterhouses in the USA indicate that workers receive little training and are often forced to work under the threat of dismissal if they refuse to work (Harmse et al, 2016;Human Rights Watch, 2004;Lipscomb et al, 2007).…”

“…Therefore, further research on the various risks involved in slaughter and meat-processing activities are needed to establish a corporate safety culture and to develop risk specific prevention tools (Harmse et al, 2016). In addition, such studies may aid the understanding the extent of risk exposure arising from those activities with the aim of maintaining workers' health and physical integrity, and of ensuring high productivity and a favorable perception of the meat-processing industry by the public.…”

“…The production volume and the number of companies and employees of those industries have continuously grown worldwide, making significant contributions for the gross domestic product of many countries (IBGE, 2017;Barros & Mendes, 2014). This growth is linked to the increasing global demand for animal protein, particularly for poultry meat, considering its healthy and affordable appeal (Harmse et al, 2016), which has also increased the pressure for competitiveness. Consequently, the animal industry activities have been become more intensive in the search for higher productivity and better quality of foods of animal origin.…”

Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Taiwanese Bakery Workers

“…WMSDs in the upper limbs are common in people in various professions and industries worldwide, particularly frontline workers, due to awkward postures, overexertion, and repetitive work [5][6][7]. Among the WMSDs, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common wrist injury among frontline workers and data processors [8][9][10][11].…”

Occupational Safety and Related Impacts on Health and the Environment

“…In Portugal, Viegas et al not only explore fungal disease in slaughterhouses, linked to biological organisms suspended in the air—a bioaerosol—exposure as well as more direct contact with animal matter, but also offer a protocol to ensure occupational exposures to fungal contamination are better characterised in the future [5]. The physical and ergonomic problems faced by poultry abattoir workers are reviewed in South Africa by Marmse et al who provide a quick reference guide to hazards and related risk for use by industry, workers and health professionals with a view to improving safety management of occupational health in the sector [6]. The physical workload of male workers in the construction industry in Norway is investigated by Lunde and his colleagues who describe the cardiovascular burden of 255 such workers [7].…”