| Summary: | Abstract: The poultry abattoir industry continues to grow and contribute significantly to the gross
domestic product in many countries. The industry expects working shifts of eight to eleven hours,
during which workers are exposed to occupational hazards which include physical hazards ranging
from noise, vibration, exposure to cold and ergonomic stress from manual, repetitive tasks that
require force. A PubMed, Medline and Science Direct online database search, using specific keywords
was conducted and the results confirmed that physical and ergonomic hazards impact on abattoir
processing workers health, with harm not only to workers’ health but also as an economic burden
due to the loss of their livelihoods and the need for treatment and compensation in the industry.
This review endeavours to highlight the contribution poultry processing plays in the development of
physical agents and ergonomic stress related occupational diseases in poultry abattoir processing
workers. The impact includes noise-induced hearing loss, increased blood pressure, menstrual
and work related upper limb disorders. These are summarised as a quick reference guide for
poultry abattoir owners, abattoir workers, poultry associations, occupational hygienists and medical
practitioners to assist in the safer management of occupational health in poultry abattoirs.
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