USDA Study Highlights Risks to Worker Safety in Meat Processing Plants
The USDA study highlights worker safety concerns in meat processing plants, with injuries linked to line speeds and preventable through ergonomic measures.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 14, 2025
A recent study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has highlighted worker safety concerns in poultry and swine processing plants. Now OSHA’s Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su has responded to the findings, emphasizing the prevalence of injuries in the industry and urging employers to take action to protect their workers.
"The findings in USDA's report on worker safety in poultry and swine plants show that injuries, including chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders are too common. These kinds of injuries often go unreported," Su said in a statement. "The study found that the increased risk of injuries created by increasing line speeds could be mitigated with other controls, specifically having more workers on the line and having effective ergonomic plans. I hope that meat and poultry companies do what is needed to make worker safety a first principle. The health of our nation depends on it."
With the USDA’s findings now public, labor advocates hope that meat and poultry companies will adopt the recommended safety measures to protect their employees from preventable injuries. More details on the report are on the USDA’s website.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.