Preventing MSD in the meat-cutting industry: the matter of mobilizing businesses in subcontracting situations

In a context of an ongoing increase in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the meat cutting sector, this paper presents the first step in mobilizing businesses, in the framework of an action-research project developed to prevent MSD in this industry. Preventing these occupational illnesses related to meat cutting is still a necessity, especially in subcontracting relationships. This action-research project was led in response to requests from several of this sector’s external businesses (EB). Mobilizing the businesses is a complex process due to the organization method used in subcontracting. This method multiplies the numbers of stakeholders, by associating user businesses (UB) and the agreements needed to access the field of study. Mobilization is required at two levels: the EBs and UBs, whose involvement is essential to carrying out the action-research project. To do so, a work tool-centred intervention methodology was proposed. This unifying element allowed the EBs and UBs to mobilize around a common action. Consequently, the mobilization phase, especially the related negotiations, involves social construction and the building of relationships of trust, vital to the smooth progression of this intervention aiming to prevent MSD.