1. MEAT PACKING
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JEEVANKUMAR A R

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. References
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Meat Packing Industry. Retrieved Oct.22,2016,from
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FusionTech.Ergonomic Risk factors in meat cutting . Retrieved Oct.22,2016,from
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