Working practices in a perchery system, using the OVAKO Working posture Analysing System (OWAS)

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Occupational Ergonomics
• Animal Science

Background:

• Commercial egg production systems require ergonomic assessments for stockworker welfare.
• Work-related postures can lead to discomfort and strain for stockworkers.
• The OVAKO Working posture Analysing System (OWAS) is a validated method for analyzing body positions and associated strain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot the application of the OWAS technique in a commercial egg production perchery system.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using OWAS for designing improved poultry industry working systems.
• To identify specific working postures and tasks causing strain to stockworkers in a perchery environment.

Main Methods:

• A stockworker performing normal duties in a perchery system was video recorded.
• The OVAKO Working posture Analysing System (OWAS) was used to assess body positions and score ergonomic strain.
• Data analysis focused on identifying high-strain postures and tasks during egg collection and perch access.

Main Results:

• Manual collection of floor eggs was identified as a high-strain activity.
• Reaching into the middle of perches from the litter side also caused significant strain.
• The OWAS system proved applicable for assessing stockworker ergonomics in this setting.

Conclusions:

• The OWAS system can be effectively applied to perchery systems in the poultry industry.
• Identifying high-strain tasks provides a basis for ergonomic improvements.
• Modifications to the perchery design can lead to an improved, less strenuous working system for stockworkers.