Natl. Turkey Federation, Chicken Council Flock with OSHA
OSHA, the National Chicken Council (NCC), and the National Turkey Federation (NTF) have formed a new alliance to provide the associations' members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will assist in protecting the safety and health of employees, including non-English speaking employees. The alliance's focus will be on machinery hazards and providing solutions to reduce worksite injuries, such as amputations.
"This cooperative Alliance clearly illustrates our commitment to reducing safety and health hazards, while promoting best practices and technical knowledge for the poultry industry," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Cooperation between OSHA and the poultry industry will promote new ideas and opportunities to assist employers and employees in reducing workplace injuries."
NCC and NTF will work with OSHA to provide expertise for the development of educational programs on equipment safety in the poultry industry. Programs and training materials will be disseminated through print and electronic media, including OSHA and NCC/NTF Web sites. The alliance signatories will participate in conferences, forums, stakeholder meetings, and other events.
"The poultry industry already has an excellent record in worker safety, and we are pleased to work with OSHA through the Alliance Program to further improve our performance," said NCC President George Watts. NTF President Joel Brandenberger echoed the sentiment, adding, "Through this Alliance with the government, the industry will increase its focus on training and use of protective equipment on processing machinery to reduce potential injuries."
The NCC is a national, non-profit trade association representing the interests of the chicken industry. Its members include chicken producers/processors, poultry distributors, and allied industry firms. Representing all segments of the turkey industry, the NTF is a national trade association that provides services and conducts activities for its members' products. NTF's membership includes growers, processors, hatchers, breeders, distributors, allied services, and state associations.