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Cutting
Task 6: Wing Cutter
Wing cutters
use knives to cut the wings from the bird. This may be a multi-step
process where several workers along the line each perform one of the
necessary cuts, or all cuts can be done by a single operator.
Hazards
of this task may include:
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Ergonomic hazards from use of knives
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Hazardous Situation:
Workers use a knife to cut the wings away from the rest of the
carcass. The cutting motion may entail some bending of the wrist. Factors such as poorly fitting gloves, slick handles, inappropriately
sized handles, or dull knives increase the force that must be used. Finger
force and bending of the wrist are recognized risk factors for the development of many hand
injuries. Minimize these factors when performing cutting tasks.
Possible Solutions:
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Keep knives sharp and in good condition.
- Remove damaged
knives from service.
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Use knives appropriate for the task.
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Keep the wrist as straight as possible during the
cutting task.
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Provide properly sized
gloves.
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Cuts and lacerations
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Hazardous Situation:
Employees are performing highly repetitive
tasks using knives close to other employees. Cuts and
lacerations are possible to the employee and those standing nearby
because employees are exposed to sharp knife
blades. Any cut not treated at once will normally become
infected as a result of working with poultry.
Possible Solutions:
- Allow
sufficient room for each employee on the line.
- Use
mesh glove on non-cutting hand.
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Maintain
sharp blades.
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Reaching
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Hazardous Situation:
Employees repeatedly reach to the bird on the cone to perform cutting tasks and may need to
reach to a bin or a tub to deposit removed item. Repetitive reaching stresses the shoulder
and upper back.
Possible Solutions:
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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.
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Provide height-adjustable stands
so employees are in proper orientation to their work area.
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Standing for a long time
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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
to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.
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Provide
shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.
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Provide a foot rest
in front of employees so they can shift their posture.
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