The safety and well-being of workers in poultry and swine plants have been brought into focus with the release of studies by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. These studies have highlighted the increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders faced by workers on evisceration lines and have recommended ergonomic improvements and other measures to mitigate these risks.
One key finding from the studies was that the speed of evisceration lines itself did not necessarily result in higher risks to workers. Instead, it was the “piece rate,” which is a measure of work pace at the job level, that was found to be correlated with greater risk. This distinction is important as it has implications for how companies can address the safety concerns of their employees.
The National Chicken Council has seized upon this finding to call for an increase in line speeds, citing the industry’s track record of safety improvements over the past 30 years. They argue that increasing line speeds can help enhance the global competitiveness of the U.S. broiler industry. However, it is essential to strike a balance between productivity and worker safety to ensure the well-being of employees.
The studies also revealed that workers in both poultry and swine plants reported experiencing work-related pain, with a significant percentage not reporting this pain to their supervisors. This underscores the need for better communication and reporting mechanisms within these facilities to address worker concerns and ensure a safe working environment.
The National Pork Producers Council has welcomed the findings that increased line speeds are not a leading factor in worker safety. They are committed to working with the FSIS to explore ways to make these increased line speeds permanent and alleviate supply issues in the industry.
The studies conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, under contract with FSIS, have provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by workers in poultry and swine plants. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing worker safety and implementing measures to reduce ergonomic stressors and improve access to medical treatment for workers.
Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, has called on regulatory agencies to make worker safety a priority and address the dangerous conditions outlined in the reports. He emphasized the need for job modifications, additional staffing, and better tool-sharpening programs to reduce the impact of repetitive motion and work speed on workers.
In conclusion, the studies on worker safety in poultry and swine plants highlight the importance of creating a safe and healthy work environment for employees. By implementing the recommendations outlined in these studies and prioritizing worker safety, companies can ensure the well-being of their employees while maintaining productivity and competitiveness in the industry.
