ACC

Tips for meat processing

This resource contains important information for your workplace. Keep the information handy.

Stretch - front of forearm
stretch
  • Relax shoulders and with elbow bent, bend wrist back so palm faces forward
  • Hold hand and gently straighten elbow stretching fingers back and down.
Stretch - back of forearm
stretch
  • Relax shoulders, elbows bent, use one hand to bend the other wrist, palm facing down
  • Hold hand and gently straighten elbow, stretching fingers back and down
  • Repeat other side.

 

Stretch - triceps
stretch
  • Sit tall, reach for the ceiling
  • Take one hand down back, with the palm flat
  • Use other hand to gently pull elbow in to increase the stretch.
Stretching instructions
  • Stretch every hour - move in opposite direction to your work positions
  • Stretch 2-3 times each side
  • Move gently into stretch and hold for 10-15 seconds
  • Breathe out slowly with each stretch, let go gently
  • Make sure you only feel the stretch in the highlighted area
  • After static work any action is good – swing arms, move hips, ‘wriggle’
  • Aim to do all stretches at least daily to maintain flexibility.
Stretch - buttock
stretch
  • Stand tall on one leg
  • Pull opposite knee up towards chest keeping an upright position.
Stretch - hamstring
stretch
  • Stand with one heel on a stable surface, knees slightly bent
  • Bend forwards gently
  • Keep head up and bottom out/back.
Stretch - front thigh
stretch
  • Using support, stand on one leg
  • Keep knees side-by-side, bring heel towards your buttock
  • Try to keep your back straight.
Warm-up/cool down
  • Before starting work do warm-up stretches
  • If your work is very strenuous, start work gently and build up steadily
  • If this is not possible, do a few minutes of light aerobic activity to warm your body up before starting
  • If you end your day with strenuous work, cool down with some light cardio exercise and stretches.
Stretch - long calf
stretch
  • Lean into a wall with one foot in front of the other (shoulder width apart)
  • Lean onto front leg, heels on the ground, back knee straight.
Stretch - short calf
stretch
  • Lean into a wall with one foot in front of the other (toes forwards)
  • Lean onto front leg, heels on the ground, bend back knee.
Stretch - back extension standing
stretch
  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, leaning on a stable surface.
  • Curve backwards to stretch back into extension.
Job fitness
  • Pre-season /pre-work fitness will help prevent discomfort and pain and help you do your job better such as, jogging, arm strengthening, etc
  • At the start of each new task/season, pace yourself.
  • Start slow and build up so your body can adjust to the work. If you go too hard and fast you may injure yourself and not be able to continue
  • Remember each day to warm up and cool down
  • Stretch regularly through the day.
Hydration
  • Dehydration can make you fatigued, affect judgement, cause cramps, heat stress or heatstroke. Even low levels can cause problems
  • Drink water regularly throughout the day. 1.5 to 2 litres is usual, but your fluid needs will vary depending upon your activity levels, temperature, humidity etc
  • If you're sweating a lot you need replace extra fluids regularly
  • Avoid overloading on coffee, tea and fizzy drinks they may make you lose water
  • Urine should be 'light straw' coloured.
    Eat well
    • Healthy foods provide energy to function and nutrients to help you stay well
    • Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day
    • Drink water regularly throughout the day
    • Drink more if high temperature and/or heavy activity means you sweat a lot
    • Take lunch breaks away from your work area. Your digestion works best when you are relaxed.
    Cope effectively with stress
    • Find positive ways to deal with stress at work and home
    • Face up to the big issues, e.g. family/relationship, financial and health. Get professional help/counselling if you need it
    • Stay positive. Managing a stressful situation well can make you feel good
    • If your work is stressful, tell your boss
    • Healthy food, plenty of sleep and exercise are vital
    • Alcohol and tobacco reduce your ability to cope with stress
    • Allow yourself time to relax and recover from stress. Schedule fun times!
    Noise hazards
    • Identify and report sources of excess noise
    • Ensure noisy machinery is maintained regularly
    • Always wear appropriate hearing protection when working, keep it in good condition and replace it when worn.
    Site specific hazards
    • People
    • Environment
    • Process
    • Communication
    • Plant
    Self help for arm/hand pain: A

    ENSURE THAT:

    • Talk to your supervisor: report any discomfort/pain and ask if there are any alternative jobs/rotations that may help
    • Breaks: are taken regularly (and rest at break time) and, between break times, do short (1-5 secs) micropauses
    • Exercises: are done before work starts (warm up and stretch), during breaks (stretch) and after work (cool down and stretch)
    Self help for arm/hand pain: B
    • Recovery time: between episodes of work, ensure your body gets chance to recover by not doing similar activities outside of work. Don’t take on extra jobs/work. Make sure you get good amount of rest
    • Health: ensure you eat well and drink lots of water
    • Take prescribed medication as directed.

     

    First aid for injuries: Part A

    FIRST TWO DAYS - USE R.I.C.E.D.
    REST:
    To limit further damage, avoid moving the injured part as much as possible.
    ICE: Put ice in a damp towel and place on the injured part for 20 minutes. Do this every two hours for the first 48 hours after injury.
    COMPRESSION: Bandage the injured part between ice treatments.
    ELEVATION: Keep the injured part raised as much as possible.
    DIAGNOSIS: If pain or swelling isn't significantly less after 48 hrs seek professional medical help.

    First aid for injuries: Part B

    FIRST THREE DAYS - AVOID H.A.R.M.

    HEAT:
    Avoid hot baths and showers, saunas, hot water bottles, heat packs and liniments.
    ALCOHOL: Alcohol increases bleeding and swelling at the injury site and delays healing.
    RUNNING: Don't exercise the injured part for 72 hours unless approved by a medical professional.
    MASSAGE: Massaging an injury in the first 72 hours can slow down recovery.

     

    Red flags: Part A

    SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU HAVE:

    • Severe, unremitting night-time pain
    • Severe burning pain with associated pins and needles
    • Significant loss of weight over a period of weeks to months
    • Significant trauma (e.g. fall from a height, motor vehicle accident, crush, etc.)
    • Feeling systematically unwell – e.g. with fevers, night sweats, flu-like symptoms.
    Red flags: Part B

    SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU HAVE:

    • Obvious swelling or lump/s
    • Redness – especially around joint/s
    • Several different joints being affected at the same time
    • Skin rash associated with joint pains
    • Significant visible bruising in the affected area
    • Paralysis or significant loss of function of the limb or part of the limb.