title: Force and repetition measurement of ham boning. Relationship to musculoskeletal symptoms.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a valid methodology for comparing measured torque repetition data along a ham boning line to symptoms reported in an established clinical database, which included history of cumulative stress disorder symptoms. A musculoskeletal stress measurement system was used to measure torque and repetition data associated with boning hams. Twenty-two surveys were conducted across a representative sample of employees performing this task on three different production lines. Two different knife grips were compared in the study to determine if one method produced lower torque. The data were analyzed and work (in-lb) and power (in-lb/sec) calculations were made. Evidence showed an increased rate of reported symptoms by subjects exerting more power as compared to other subjects performing the same task. One method was found to require less power than another. Operators managed a microbreak in the cycle ranging from .88% to 4% of the survey time. Operators not reporting symptoms averaged longer microbreaks than those reporting. The study provided data for structuring a line rotation program for moving people to positions requiring less "power."
authors.affiliation: Occupational Health Services, Hatfield Quality Meats, Hatfield, PA, USA.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Stoy
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aspen
mesh_terms: D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008462:Meat-Packing Industry; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D019415:Torque