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eTools Home : Poultry Safety and Health Topic Page | Viewing / Printing Instructions | Credits
Poultry Processing Industry eTool
Follow-Up
Plant-Wide Hazards
Sanitation
Receiving and Killing
Evisceration
Cutting and Deboning
Packout
Warehousing
Packout - Whole Bird Individual Packaging

Task 1: Giblet Packer

Employee places heart, liver, gizzard and neck either directly into the body cavity of the bird or into a paper sack, which is then inserted into the body cavity before bagging.

Hazards of this task may include:


Repetitive reaching and lifting
Hazardous Situation:
Employees repeatedly reach into bins on supply tables to obtain parts for repackaging and to obtain bags in which to place the parts. Repetitive reaching stresses the shoulder and upper back.
Possible Solutions:
  • Position packing fixtures, bags, scales, and product so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.
  • Tilt work surface so product slides to employee.
  • Develop both left- and right-hand stations so employees can rotate through different stations and experience periods of working rest.
  • Provide height-adjustable work tables, packing stands, or work platforms so task can be performed without torso bending or reaching.
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Standing for a long time
Hazardous Situation:
Standing for a long time reduces blood flow to the legs, forces isolated muscles to work for an extended time, and increases risk of fatigue and varicose veins.
Possible Solutions:
  • Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.
  • Rotate employees between tasks that do not require prolonged standing.
  • Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.
  • Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.
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