Use of participatory ergonomics teams to address musculoskeletal hazards in the red meat packing industry

Abstract

Participatory ergonomics teams from two departments of a pork slaughtering plant analyzed musculoskeletal hazards and proposed ergonomics solutions for several jobs in the plant. The jobs were targeted based on association with a large number of injuries, one or more particularly severe injuries, high workers' compensation expenses, and/or high turnover plus absence of obvious solutions to abate the hazards. The teams used a structured problem-solving method that was generally derived from principles associated with quality improvement processes. Workers performing the targeted jobs were involved in the problem-solving process, even if they were not members of the team. The effectiveness of each team was assessed and compared in terms of the number of problem jobs addressed and feedback from team members. One team addressed all nine of its targeted jobs; the other team addressed eight of 12 targeted jobs. Feedback from team members regarding their teams' methods and performance was generally favorable. The major obstacle to effective team functioning in this project was the scheduling of meetings. There were also some obstacles related to team leadership. Overall, this project demonstrated that the use of participatory ergonomics teams that rely on structured problem-solving methods are able to work effectively to address musculoskeletal hazards, especially related to the upper extremities, in the red meat packing industry.