Poultry Processing Industry eTool - Cutting and Deboning

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

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Cutting & Deboning
Follow-up Checklist

Use this checklist as a tool to help you in your efforts to identify hazards in your facility and keep track of follow-up measures. It can be used in two ways:

1. You can print out the entire checklist for all the tasks in this area of your plant to take with you as you evaluate this department. To use this option, select "Blank Checklist" below. A new window will appear with the full checklist for all the tasks in this area of your plant; you can then print the full checklist using your browser's print procedure.

2. You can go through the checklist and make selections and comments before printing. To do this, first check the box next to each hazardous situation you have identified. Then for each suggested solution, indicate whether the solution is currently in use, something you want to consider, or not applicable. Include comments about the solutions or applicable follow-up procedures. Note that you may wish to identify other solutions that would prevent or control the hazardous situation in your plant. At the end of each task, there is also a field for identifying other hazards related to the task or comments about the task.

Select "Print Completed Checklist", which will create a new window with a version of the checklist that can be printed using your browser's print procedure. The checklist printed with this option will include only the hazardous situations for which you have made entries. YOUR ENTRIES WILL NOT BE SAVED ON YOUR COMPUTER.

[Print Blank Checklist] [Print Completed Checklist]

Line Loader

Bending at the waist to reach into tubs

Automate the movement from the evisceration line to the cone line using conveyors or augers. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use a tilter dumper to elevate and tilt so the contents are continually moved forward toward the employee and are maintained at about waist height at all times. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use a tub dumper at the workstation to empty contents on the conveyor. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Forceful gripping

Automate the movement from the evisceration line to the cone line using conveyors or augers. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use a tilter dumper to elevate and tilt so the contents are continually moved forward toward the employee and are maintained at about waist height at all times. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use a tub dumper at the workstation to empty contents on the conveyor. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Tail Cutter

Ergonomic hazards from use of scissors

Provide pneumatic scissors for cutting off tail; these scissors can be activated by employees with little finger force and with the wrist in a neutral posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide spring activated scissors for cutting off tail; these scissors open automatically after each cutting motion. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate to tasks that do not require using scissors. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can lift one foot, allowing them to continually shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Saw Operator

Reaching to access product, saws, or machine load areas

If the feed conveyor is between the saw and the employee, reduce the width of feed conveyors to reduce reaching to the machine. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position saws and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Cuts and lacerations

Wear cut-proof mesh gloves on both hands. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Keep hands to the side of the blade during feeding of the product. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Guard all portions of the blade except for an opening large enough to feed the product. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other Hazards

Rehang

Reaching up, forward or to the side to access the shackle

Minimize forward reaches by moving the shackle conveyor towards employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Minimize vertical distance between the shackles and the belt conveyor to minimize bending and elevated reaches. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate employees up and down hanging line. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Install height-adjustable stands so employees can properly position themselves. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Cone Line Feeder

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Wing Cutter

Ergonomic hazards from use of knives

Keep knives sharp and in good condition. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Remove damaged knives from service. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use knives appropriate for the task. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Keep wrist as straight as possible during the cutting task. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide properly sized gloves. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Cuts and lacerations

Allow sufficient room for each employee on the line. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use mesh glove on non-cutting hand. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Maintain sharp blades. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Reaching

Position cones and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed in front of the employee with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide height-adjustable stands so employees are in proper orientation to their work area. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Leg/Thigh Cutter

Ergonomic hazards from use of knives

Keep knives sharp and in good condition. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Remove damaged knives from service. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use knives appropriate for the task. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Keep the wrist as straight as possible during the cutting task. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide properly sized gloves. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Cuts and lacerations

Allow sufficient room for each employee on the line. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use mesh glove on non-cutting hand. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Maintain sharp blades. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Reaching

Position cones and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed in front of the employee with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide height-adjustable stands so employees are in proper orientation to their work area. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Back/Breast Separator

Reaching to access product, saws, or machine load areas

If the feed conveyor is between the saw and the employee, reduce the width of feed conveyors to reduce reaching to machine. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position saws and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Cuts and lacerations

Wear cut-proof mesh gloves on both hands. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Keep hands to the side of blade during feeding of product. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Guard all portions of the blade except for an opening large enough to feed product. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Trimmer/Clean-up

Ergonomic hazards from use of scissors

Provide pneumatic scissors; these scissors can be activated by employees with little finger force and with the wrist in a neutral posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide spring activated scissors; these scissors open automatically after each cutting motion. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to those tasks that do not require scissor use. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Tilt work surface so product slides to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Support Task: Knife Person

Slips, trips, and falls

Cover drains with non-slip grating. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide workers with non-slip footwear and require its use. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Paint floors with slip-resistant paint or install non-slip floor tile. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide guardrails at workstations adjacent to dangerous equipment to prevent injury. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Carry knives in sheaths or closed containers. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Machine guarding for grinders

Use safety goggles or other protective eyewear. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use only grinding wheels with rpm rating matching the spindle speed of the grinder. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use ring test procedure to check for non-visible damage to the grinding wheel. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations for guarding and use of the grinding wheel. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Skin Puller

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can lift one foot, allowing them to continually shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Forceful hand exertions

Provide appropriate hand tools. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use a clamp jig to hold chicken parts while pulling skin. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use gloves with rough surfaces to hold chicken parts. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to non-hand intensive tasks. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Line Loader

Bending at the waist to lift tubs of product

Place tubs on shelves that are waist height so employees do not need to bend when lifting. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Place product in larger transport tubs, then use a tilter dumper to elevate and tilt so the contents are continually moved forward toward the employee and are maintained at about waist height at all times. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Place product in larger transport tubs, then use a tub dumper at the workstation to empty contents on the conveyor. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use conveyor or auger to mechanically transport product from one station to the other. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Deboner

Ergonomic hazards from use of knives

Keep knives sharp and in good condition. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Remove damaged knives from service. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use knives appropriate for the task. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide properly sized gloves. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Tilt surfaces toward employees to reduce wrist deviation. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Divide the task into specific units and provide an appropriate cutting tool so the task can be performed with a neutral wrist and body posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Cuts and lacerations

Allow sufficient room for each employee on the line. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use mesh glove on non-cutting hand. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Maintain sharp blades. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of cutting surfaces so product can be presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position cones and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Tender Puller

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of work surfaces so product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Trimmer

Ergonomic hazards from using scissors

Provide pneumatic scissors; these scissors can be activated by employees with little finger force and with the wrist in a neutral posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide spring activated scissors; these scissors open automatically after each cutting motion. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate to those tasks that do not require scissor use. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers between tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of work area so the product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Quality Control Inspector

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Reduce width of conveyors so the product is presented closer to the employee. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Position employees so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Standing for a long time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

Support Task: Knife Person

Slips, trips, and falls

Cover drains with non-slip grating. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide workers with non-slip footwear and require its use. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Paint floors with slip-resistant paint or install non-slip floor tile. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Provide guardrails at workstations adjacent to dangerous equipment to prevent injury. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Carry knives in sheaths or closed containers. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Hazards from use of grinders

Use safety goggles or other protective eyewear. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use only grinding wheels with rpm rating matching the spindle speed of the grinder. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Use ring test procedure to check for non-visible damage to grinding wheel. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations for guarding and use of grinding wheel. in use; consider; not applicable	Enter comments about this solution here.
Other solutions/comments

Other hazards

[Print Blank Checklist] [Print Completed Checklist]

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