Occupational health and safety management in Oyster culture

•We identified the most important occupational hazards in oyster farming.•Electrical shock, solar radiation and drowning should be given priority for control.•The activities involve awkward postures and excessive static and dynamic load.•Oyster farming is a very physical and labor intensive job in Brazil.

The marine mollusks culture is a very important activity for Brazil, generating employment and income for local people. However, little is known about the accident risks to which workers are exposed in this environment. Through an Ergonomic Work Analysis, this study identified and suggested improvements to the main risks in the activities performed on a reference farm on oyster culture. We performed observations in loco, questionnaires and interviews, analysis by infrared thermography and postural assessments by Rapid Entire Body Assessment and Strain Index methods. The performed activities involved prolonged physical effort, awkward postures, excessive static and dynamic loads, activities and repetitive movements. Many workers have muscle pains in their shoulders, lower back, hands, wrists and fingers. Electrical shock, solar radiation and drowning were also identified, and should be considered as a priority for prevention and control.