Risk assessment of repetitive and strain movements of the upper limbs in a pig head processing company

Abstract

Background: the processing of pig heads is a processing high repetitive activity and at high risk of biomechanical overload of the upper limbs. Objectives: to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs and in particolar carpal tunnel in a group of workers assigned to pig head processing. Methods: a clinical investigation and assessment of occupational risk in a pig head processing company was carried out. Results: the clinical investigation showed the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome in 14 percent of cases. The ergonomic analysis of work showed an high risk for disorders of the upper limbs. Discussion: the results of ergonomic work analysis have shown the causal role played by risk factors including the repetitiveness, the use of force, the awkward postures and the absence of recovery time. Conclusions: the adoption of preventive solutions as a rational distribution of recoveries, the alternation of tasks, the use of knives of ergonomic type, have proven effective in reducing the risk of biomechanical overload of the upper limbs.