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

Adriana Seára Tirloni, Diogo Cunha dos Reis, Salvador Francisco Tirloni and Antônio Renato Pereira Moro
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Adriana Seára Tirloni: School of Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-370, Brazil
Diogo Cunha dos Reis: Biomechanics Laboratory, Center of Sports (CDS), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-370, Brazil
Salvador Francisco Tirloni: School of Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-370, Brazil
Antônio Renato Pereira Moro: School of Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-370, Brazil

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 24, 1-15

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.

Keywords: slaughterhouse; meat-packing industry; risk assessment; ergonomics; muscular disorders; OCRA method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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