Environmental risk assessment in the killing floor of a bovine abattoir

ABSTRACT This study is non-experimental, qualitative descriptive, and aimed to identify the environmental conditions and work process that may increase the risk of accidents and represent damage to the worker's health. It was based on the analysis of the work processes and environmental aspects on the killing floor of a cattle slaughterhouse. We used an observation script, based upon laws and Biosafety. The results show humidity, loud noises, temperature alternation and working speed determined by the number of animals slaughtered; which generates physical and psychological problems, especially repetitive strain injuries, depression, stress, and contamination by biological agents.