Webinar to Discuss Study of Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk in Swine Processing Facilities

A webinar scheduled for Oct. 22 will discuss results from a large study of the effects of swine processing speed on workers’ risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The PULSE Swine Study evaluated nearly 600 workers in six facilities and found that 46 percent were at high risk of developing MSDs.

In poultry processing, “evisceration” lines involve the removal of birds’ organs and cleaning of carcasses. The study found that higher evisceration line speed increased MSD risk for workers in some facilities but decreased it for others. Data from the study released in January indicated that MSD risk was greater for workers who worked at a higher piece rate regardless of line speed.

The webinar will be held by the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) at the University of California School of Public Health. Presenter Carisa Harris, PhD, CPE, will discuss interventions that can reduce musculoskeletal hazards. For more information or to register, visit the COEH website.