Follow-up Checklists » Cutting & Deboning

Use this checklist as a tool to help you in your efforts to identify hazards in your facility and keep track of follow-up measures

  1. Print out the checklist for all of the tasks in this area of your plant to take with you as you evaluate this area of your plant. To use this option, select "Print Blank Checklist" below and a new window/tab will appear with the checklist. Then, using your browser's print option, print the checklist.

  2. Use the online checklist below and make selections and comments before printing. To do this, first check the box next to each hazardous situation that you have identified. Then for each suggested solution, indicate whether the solution is currently in use, something you want to consider, or not applicable. Include comments about the solutions or applicable follow-up procedures. Note that you may wish to identify other solutions that would prevent or control the hazardous situation in your plant. At the end of each task, there is also a field for identifying other hazards related to the task or comments about the task.

    Select "Print Completed Checklist" and a new window/tab will appear with the checklist filled out. Using your browser's print option, print the checklist. The checklist printed with this option will include only the hazardous situations for which you have made entries. YOUR ENTRIES WILL NOT BE SAVED ON YOUR COMPUTER.

Line Loader
Bending at the Waist to Reach into Tubs

Automate the movement from the evisceration line to the cone line using conveyors or augers.

Use a tilter dumper to elevate and tilt so the contents are continually moved forward toward the employee and are maintained at about waist height at all times.

Use a tub dumper at the workstation to empty contents on the conveyor.

Bending at the Waist to Lift Tubs of Product

Place tubs on shelves that are waist height so employees do not need to bend when lifting.

Place product in larger transport tubs, then use a tilter dumper to elevate and tilt so the contents are continually moved forward toward the employee and are maintained at about waist height at all times.

Place product in larger transport tubs, then use a tub dumper at the workstation to empty contents on the conveyor.

Use conveyor or auger to mechanically transport product from one station to the other.

Forceful Gripping

Automate the movement from the evisceration line to the cone line using conveyors or augers.

Use a tilter dumper to elevate and tilt so the contents are continually moved forward toward the employee and are maintained at about waist height at all times.

Use a tub dumper at the workstation to empty contents on the conveyor.

Other Hazards

 

Tail Cutter
Ergonomic Hazards From Use of Scissors

Provide pneumatic scissors for cutting off tail; these scissors can be activated by employees with little finger force and with the wrist in a neutral posture.

Provide spring activated scissors for cutting off tail; these scissors open automatically after each cutting motion.

Rotate to tasks that do not require using scissors.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Saw Operator
Reaching to Access Product, Saws or Machine Load Areas

If the feed conveyor is between the saw and the employee, reduce the width of feed conveyors to reduce reaching to the machine.

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee.

Position saws and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Cuts and Lacerations

Wear cut-proof mesh gloves on both hands.

Keep hands to the side of the blade during feeding of the product.

Guard all portions of the blade except for an opening large enough to feed the product.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Rehang
Reaching Up, Forward or to the Side to Access the Shackle

Minimize forward reaches by moving shackle conveyor towards employee.

Minimize vertical distance between the shackles and the belt conveyor to minimize bending and elevated reaches.

Rotate employees up and down hanging line.

Install height-adjustable stands so employees can properly position themselves.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Cone Line Feeder
Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee.

Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Wing Cutter
Ergonomic Hazards From Use of Knives

Keep knives sharp and in good condition.

Remove damaged knives from service.

Use knives appropriate for the task.

Keep wrist as straight as possible during the cutting task.

Provide properly sized gloves.

Cuts and Lacerations

Allow sufficient room for each employee on the line.

Use mesh glove on non-cutting hand.

Maintain sharp blades.

Reaching

Position cones and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed in front of the employee with the elbows in close to the torso.

Provide height-adjustable stands so employees are in proper orientation to their work area.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Leg/Thigh Cutter
Ergonomic Hazards From Use of Knives

Keep knives sharp and in good condition.

Remove damaged knives from service.

Use knives appropriate for the task.

Keep wrist as straight as possible during the cutting task.

Provide properly sized gloves.

Cuts and Lacerations

Allow sufficient room for each employee on the line.

Use mesh glove on non-cutting hand.

Maintain sharp blades.

Reaching

Position cones and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed in front of the employee with the elbows in close to the torso.

Provide height-adjustable stands so employees are in proper orientation to their work area.

Other Hazards

 

Back/Breast Separator
Reaching to Access Product, Saws or Machine Load Areas

If the feed conveyor is between the saw and the employee, reduce the width of feed conveyors to reduce reaching to the machine.

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee.

Position saws and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Cuts and Lacerations

Wear cut-proof mesh gloves on both hands.

Keep hands to the side of the blade during feeding of the product.

Guard all portions of the blade except for an opening large enough to feed the product.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Trimmer/Clean-up
Ergonomic Hazards From Use of Scissors

Provide pneumatic scissors; these scissors can be activated by employees with little finger force and with the wrist in a neutral posture.

Provide spring activated scissors; these scissors open automatically after each cutting motion.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require using scissors.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee.

Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Tilt work surface so product slides to the employee.

Other Hazards

 

Skin Puller
Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Forceful Hand Exertions

Provide appropriate hand tools.

Use a clamp jig to hold chicken parts while pulling skin.

Use gloves with rough surfaces to hold chicken parts.

Rotate workers to non-hand intensive tasks.

Other Hazards

 

Deboner
Ergonomic Hazards From Use of Knives

Keep knives sharp and in good condition.

Remove damaged knives from service.

Use knives appropriate for the task.

Provide properly sized gloves.

Tilt surfaces toward employees to reduce wrist deviation.

Divide the task into specific units and provide an appropriate cutting tool so the task can be performed with a neutral wrist and body posture.

Cuts and Lacerations

Allow sufficient room for each employee on the line.

Use mesh glove on non-cutting hand.

Maintain sharp blades.

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of cutting surfaces so product can be presented closer to the employee.

Position cones and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Tender Puller
Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of work surfaces so product is presented closer to the employee.

Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Trimmer
Ergonomic Hazards From Using Scissors

Provide pneumatic scissors; these scissors can be activated by employees with little finger force and with the wrist in a neutral posture.

Provide spring activated scissors; these scissors open automatically after each cutting motion.

Rotate to those tasks that do not require scissor use.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee.

Position conveyors and other work fixtures so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Provide height-adjustable stands, where appropriate, to place employee in proper orientation to the work surface..

Other Hazards

 

Quality Control Inspector
Reaching

Use diverter bars to push the product closer to the employee.

Reduce width of supply conveyor so the product is presented closer to the employee.

Position employees so all activities of the task can be performed with the elbows in close to the torso.

Standing For a Long Time

Install sit/stand stools, which allow employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright posture.

Rotate workers to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.

Provide shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.

Provide a foot rest in front of employees so they can shift their posture.

Other Hazards

 

Support Task: Knife Person
Slips, Trips, and Falls

Cover drains with non-slip grating.

Provide workers with non-slip footwear and require their use.

Paint floors with slip-resistant paint or install non-slip floor tile.

Provide guardrails at workstations adjacent to dangerous equipment to prevent injury.

Carry knives in sheaths or closed containers.

Machine Guarding For Grinders

Use safety goggles or other protective eyewear.

Use only grinding wheels with rpm rating matching the spindle speed of the grinder.

Use ring test procedure to check for non-visible damage to the grinding wheel.

Follow manufacturer's recommendations for guarding and use of the grinding wheel.

Other Hazards

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