Ergonomic care in slaughterhouses is essential so that workers can work with greater comfort, health and well-being. Furthermore, these measures also bring benefits to companies, as they help to avoid occupational illnesses and reduce absenteeism and slaughterhouse turnover rates (staff turnover). 

An adequate structure and the use of ergonomic equipment allow employees to maintain a correct posture at work and preserve their health. As a result, companies are able to increase productivity and avoid financial losses resulting from employee absence and labor actions.

In addition, organizations also need to adapt to the Ministry of Labor’s regulations on occupational health, such as NR-17 and NR-36, which focus on the issue of ergonomics. 

In this article, we will explain the main problems caused by a lack of ergonomics in the sector and give tips to avoid employee turnover.

Problems caused by lack of ergonomics in refrigerators

Transporting and handling food in refrigerators requires repetitive and static movements, carried out under intense cold. These conditions can cause injuries to workers’ muscles, nerves and tendons, such as RSI (repetitive strain injury).

To avoid these problems, companies need to invest in an appropriate structure and adopt measures so that employees can maintain a correct posture. It is also important to have benches and chairs so that employees can alternate postures and take psycho-physiological breaks.

In addition to modernizing equipment, it is also important that companies make employees aware of the importance of ergonomics to make the work environment safer and healthier.

Learn what the sector’s safety standards say

The regulatory standards of the Ministry of Labor, such as NR-17 and NR-36, deal with occupational health issues and pay attention to the issue of ergonomics, aiming to improve the occupational health conditions of workers.

Tecnotri ergonomic pallets meet these standards and Anvisa’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) recommendations. In this way, they contribute to reducing rates of absenteeism and occupational illnesses caused by ergonomic factors.  Additionally, these products allow employees to pack boxes in accordance with standards recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Also in accordance with the NR-36 standard, companies must have benches for at least 50% of the total number of employees, in several areas throughout the slaughterhouse. The objective is to ensure that rest areas have benches so that employees can make the mandatory stop safely and comfortably. of food.
Another necessary precaution in refrigerators is to avoid handling excessive weight. According to Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), the individual weight limit for manually loading and unloading materials is 60 kg for men and 20 kg for women. But these limits must always consider the supported weight limit and the type of movement that could compromise the manual transport of loads and harm the health and safety of the worker.

The important thing is that the person’s physical effort is compatible with their strength capacity, in order to preserve their health and safety. This same rule must be used when equipment is used to facilitate transportation, such as conveyors, overhead cranes, wheelbarrows and other manually operated mechanical devices.

Ergonomic rotomolded solutions to avoid refrigerator turnover

Companies must offer an adequate structure so that employees maintain a correct posture, preserve their health and perform better at work. Taking care of ergonomics prevents occupational illnesses, reduces absenteeism and avoids labor actions.

The use of plastic pallets and containers ergonomic Tecnotri helps to avoid these problems, as it reduces the occurrence of occupational diseases caused by ergonomic factor. These products help to avoid physical wear and tear on employees during their activities and to increase the efficiency of transporting and handling food. In this way, they provide healthier working conditions and prevent the emergence of occupational diseases.

Ergonomic pallets and containers have dimensions, functions, colors and textures that bring comfort, practicality and safety to professionals. These products can be washed and sanitized and receive antimicrobial protection, which prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.

Advantages of ergonomic plastic pallets for refrigerators

Rotomolded plastic pallets were developed for use in environments that require special hygiene care, such as slaughterhouses and food industries. 

Unlike wooden pallets, which store fungi, bacteria and other contaminants, the plastic pallet can be washed and sanitized, thus helping to avoid contamination and meet sanitary requirements. Furthermore, the plastic pallet can also receive antimicrobial protection, which prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.

Another advantage is that plastic pallets are up to 70% lighter and more resistant than wooden pallets and immune to external agents. It is suitable for storage in different environments, according to logistical needs. This product is resistant to both low and high temperatures, with the ability to withstand temperature variations from -35°C to 60°C, without presenting variations in weight, color and shape. 
A model that is widely used by the food industry is the ergonomic pallet PL061, which is higher than that of common pallets – 35 cm high –, more suitable for handling and handling products. Ideal for boxes, it can be used both on the ground and in pallet racks.

Another rotomolded solution widely used in refrigerators is the ergonomic seat Tecnotri. Adapted to ergonomic standards for workers to rest, its distinguishing features include ease of cleaning, thermal comfort and ease of movement. 

As we have seen, ergonomic care can avoid a series of problems and ensure health conditions and efficiency when transporting loads. The use of ergonomic plastic pallets contributes to ensuring good ergonomic conditions and increasing safety, productivity and logistical efficiency.

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