Empowerment as a way to prevent work-related health conditions in slaughterhouse workers

Abstract

The objective of the review was to emphasize the need for educational efforts aiming at the empowerment of slaughterhouse workers based on their major work-related conditions. Slaughterhouse work involves stressful and tiring tasks. These workers suffer from serious occupational injuries and health problems including musculoskeletal disorders, zoonoses, skin conditions and injuries related to animals and sharp instruments. Slaughterhouse workers are generally low-skill staff, have no control over their job tasks and may not be aware of the determinants affecting their health. While working for the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, veterinarians are greatly responsible for the work routine in slaughterhouses and are aware of health risks involved in these workers' job. Besides focusing their activities on food safety, veterinarians they should take an active role in educating slaughterhouse workers for their empowerment.