The effect of different work-rest schedules on ergonomic risk in poultry slaughterhouse workers

BACKGROUND: Rest breaks are an organizational measure to reduce the high risk of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSDs) to which slaughterhouse workers are subject. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of different work-rest schedules on ergonomic risk in poultry slaughterhouse workers. METHODS: A total of 36 repetitive tasks was selected in a Brazilian slaughterhouse. Using the Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) Checklist, the level of exposure of workers to risk factors of UL-WMSDs in two work-rest schedules was evaluated. In the real condition, 6 rest breaks of 10 minutes were performed, and in the simulated condition, 3 rest breaks of 20 minutes. RESULTS: The right side of the body presented a higher score on the OCRA Checklist (72% of the tasks) than the left side (p = 0.037) in the real condition. Additionally, the OCRA score (18.3 +/- 2.5) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the simulated condition (21.9 +/- 3.0). It was verified that the risk level in simulated condition remained the same in 13 (36%) tasks, while in 23 (64%) tasks there was an increase in the risk level. CONCLUSIONS: Work-rest schedule of 6 breaks of 10 minutes was better than 3 breaks of 20 minutes to reduce the risk of UL-WMSDs in poultry slaughterhouse workers.

Automated summary

The study found that in poultry slaughterhouse workers, taking 6 breaks of 10 minutes was more effective in reducing the risk of UL-WMSDs compared to taking 3 breaks of 20 minutes. Tasks on the right side of the body had a higher risk than the left side.