Prevention of osteomyoarticular disorders in the evisceration station in a Municipal Slaughterhouse. Case of Ambato City

Abstract

Introduction. The slaughter of cattle is a semi-industrial work in sequence, where constant force is exerted and repetitive actions are carried out that can make this activity very dangerous to suffer from osteomyoarticular disorders, such as the job of an expert in the Municipal Chamber of the Decentralized Autonomous Government. (GAD) of the City of Ambato. Objective. This research designs an ergonomic position to mitigate distal affections in the upper extremities due to the manipulation of viscera in a continuous process line and with efforts to adapt to fixed surfaces and humid and cold conditions that multiply the effort. Methodology. First, the Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) method was used to establish the important variables in the actions that are carried out while completing cycles and where perceptual or cognitive activities clearly prevail and movements of the upper limbs are residual. Then the possibility of implementing an adjustable platform was studied to improve posture and reduce the level of risk due to repetitive movement. To deepen the study, a controlled time plan was combined, movements until a significant decrease was achieved. Results. The results of the implementation of a new work platform show a 45% decrease in the OCRA index, considering: a) 23.3% decrease in time in shoulder position, 16.7% in elbow, use of heated gloves, elimination of clamping height, increased a break in the work day other than lunch, elimination of static clamping height, reduction of a technical action, a mirror post was added and lowered to a dynamic technical action with 20 actions in one minute. Conclusion. By placing the work plane anthropometrically with the use of an adjustable platform, the ergonomic risk due to repetitive movement was reduced to 45%.