HAZARDS IN MEAT CUTTING INDUSTRY

HAZARDS IN MEAT CUTTING INDUSTRY

The Hazards are grouped as follows
1) Back injuries
2) Cumulative trauma disorders
3) Falls
4) Infectious diseases.
5) Knife cuts
6) Toxic substances

Back Injuries

Repeated bending activities roots to back injuries
Heavy carrying luggage’s on the back
Lower cutting table causes more stress to low back
Prolonged standing also cause stress to back

Cumulative trauma disorders

Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendon sheath due to repeated activities
Carpal tunnel syndrome – Repeated Movement of wrist cause compression at the nerve and other structures around the wrist results in Pain , Numbness, Paresthesia.
Prolonged condition leads to motor loss and sensory loss.

Falls :

Represent greater source of serious illness Causes of Falls are
 Animal fat accumulate on the floor
 Blood
 Floor surface tend to wet
 Leaking Pipe
 Nature of work,
 Poor drainage &
 Slippers

Infectious disease:

Brucellosis, Erysipeloid, Leptospirosis, Dermatophytoses & Warts.

Brucellosis:
It is a Bacterial infection Transmitted by handling cattle
Signs
1. Head ache
2. Joint Pain
3. Loss of appetite
4. Night sweat
5. Running fever
6. Weakness

Erysipeloid :

It is a Bacterial Infection Spread through animals
Signs
1. Redness
2. Irritation

Leptospirosis :

It is a Bacterial Infection Spread through Direct contact with Infected Animal, water, Soil
Signs
1. Muscle ache
2. Chills
3. Eye irritation
4. Fever
5. Kidney/ Liver damage
6. Vomit

Dermatophytoses

Also known as Ring worm It is a Fungal Infection
Transmitted by contact with hair & skin of infected person
Sings
1. Hair fall
2. Small yellowish cup like crest to develop in scalp

Verruca Vulgaris:

It is a Viral Infection Transmitted by use of Towel, Meat, Fish Knife and Work tables

KNIFE CUTS

It is the major cause of Cuts and Abrasions to the Hands and Torso.
Workers have also been cut by other worker as they remove their knife from a slab of meat (Neighbor Cuts) Occur in over crowding working conditions.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES :

Workers exposed to Ammonia Ammonia used in refrigerators which leaks result in irritation in skin & Mucous membrane
Ammonia gas also irritate to Eyes, Head ache, Salivation, nausea, Perspiration, Vomiting, & even deaths.
It also aggravates Cardiac problems and Respiratory problems.


PREVENTIVE METHODS

Sharp knife prevent Musculo skeletal injuries, since sharp blades reduce grip force & cutting time
 Cut away from not towards—cutting stand to the side of the cut to keep blade away
 Replace or Tighten the Hand grips of Knives.
 Use correct Knife
 Use cutting board for chopping
 Use food pusher in advanced machines, not Fingers
 Use stabilizing tools don’t use finger since it may cause cut
 Wear appropriate gloves