Working conditions, environment and health outcomes in the meat-packing industry, Argentina 2010

Introduction
The Superintendence of Labour Risks made a study about Working Conditions and Environment in the Meat Industry in 2010. The main object was to describe those Working Conditions and Environment in slaughterhouses and bovine meat processing plants. The specific objectives were: to describe work hazards in different job sites, to indentify the main injuries and illnesses and to describe perceptions of the different stakeholders.

Methods
A qualitative design and a theoretical sampling were used. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with workers, trade unions and employers’ representatives, and non-participant observations of job sites and work process. An acceptable interpretative framework was developed after 12 plant observations.

Results
The principal causes of injuries are those derived from object falls from heights, worker falls and cutting injuries by knife. The use of the knife as a tool, workers’ placement and work organization are determinant factors. Besides, productivity targets are of major significance for work rhythm.
Regarding diseases, musculoskeletal disorders are of paramount importance. Hearing loss and respiratory diseases, related with the environmental factors, were also found.
Occupational Medicine Services define the severity of health outcomes and its notification which leads to an under-notification to the state system. Additionally, performance of the Hygiene and Safety Services is determinant in the fairly Working Conditions observed. However, those situations are perceived as current and unavoidable by every stakeholder.

Discussion
Most of the risks and outcomes observed could be removed or minimized on behalf of better adherence for the complete fulfilment to the national regulation framework.