ABSTRACT
The condition of repetitive strain injury has not been an easy one to define as there are a number of musculoskeletal disorders associated with the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. The Australian term, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is described as a collective term for a range of conditions characterized by discomfort and persistent pain in the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, with or without physical manifestations. RSI has been found among a variety of workers in the meat and poultry industries. The occupation of meat packing has a hazardous element to it, with butchers’ work demanding hand motions with knives, and the risk of laceration, resulting in a tendency towards a high degree of muscle strain in the hands, arms and wrists. For RSI prevention, special reference is made to the use of tools, transport, installation of machines and maintenance.
