Using a shoulder exoskeleton in slaughterhouse work: Expectations, experiences, and feasibility

• Published in: International journal of industrial ergonomics 2024-03, Vol.100, p.103505, Article 103505
• Main Authors: Frost, Jeppe, Christiansen, David Høyrup, Dalbøge, Annett, Grytnes, Regine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abattoir; Assistive device; Mixed methods; Occupation; Slaughterhouse industry
• ISSN: 0169-8141; 1872-8219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2023.103505

Work in the slaughterhouse industry increase the risk of shoulder disorders due to high occupational mechanical exposures. Assistive devices, such as exoskeletons, have been developed to reduce the mechanical exposures, but few studies have investigated exoskeleton's feasibility, when used in a workplace setting. The objective was to explore managers' and workers' expectations and experiences related to using a shoulder exoskeleton, and to evaluate its feasibility compared to an existing assistive device (a ‘lifting glove’) at a Danish slaughterhouse. The participants included 26 production line workers and their managers at a packaging department at a large slaughterhouse facility. In a 5-month field study, data on worker's expectations and experiences of using a shoulder exoskeleton, was compared to a lifting glove and to working without any assistive device. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and on-site observations. Expectations were that shoulder exoskeletons would reduce the mechanical exposure and strain in workers. Some managers also expected that workers could handle more weight/produce more and that the need for job rotation could be reduced. Workers reported the exoskeleton to ‘straighten the body’, and reduced strain, but e others experienced no perceived support or found donning and doffing too time consuming. We found different expectations as to what the shoulder exoskeleton should achieve. This could influence the evaluation of the feasibility of using a shoulder exoskeleton in slaughterhouse work. To facilitate the feasibility of exoskeletons it is important to explicate different expectations and to allow for individual tailoring in its implementation. •The impact of a shoulder exoskeleton on manual material handling was evaluated in a real-world slaughterhouse setting.•Despite surpassing the feasibility of an existing assistive device, the exoskeleton did not receive unanimous favourability.•Implementation of exoskeletons requires consideration of perspectives and barriers present in the real-world work settings.•The feasibility of employing a shoulder exoskeleton in slaughterhouse work depends on its intended contribution.