Workplace injuries decline in poultry industry

When it comes to their jobs, all workers across the country hope that their workplace is safe and devoid of any risks. If there are risks present, then the workers could potentially suffer workplace injuries. Some jobs however, due to their very nature, are more dangerous than others and there are higher chances of sustaining a workplace injury during the course of work. North Carolina workers may have noticed that the inherent risks to poultry workers were highlighted earlier this year as workers were under pressure to work faster. However, due to consistent effort by the poultry industry, workplace injuries in the poultry sector have decreased significantly.

According to statistics released by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational injuries and illnesses both have decreased 80 percent over the last 20 years. In fact, the 2013 Injury and Illness Report recently released by the BLS shows that the figures continue to decline.

The numbers speak for themselves-from a staggering rate of 22.7 in 1994, an 80.2 percent decline in injuries and illnesses has brought the current rate down to 4.5 per 100 full-time workers.

According to the committee chairman for the Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council, the decline is the result of their dedication to finding procedures and processes that minimize risks in the workplace.

Every worker deserves to work in an environment that has minimal risk to their well-being and it is an employer’s duty to provide this safe environment. The effort the poultry industry is making should be applauded, but at the same time any injury or illness is too much, regardless of what sector it is in. North Carolina workers who have been hurt on the job may not be aware that they have certain rights that can avail and one of those rights is to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Source: Feedstuffs.com, “Worker safety record for improving for poultry industry,” Dec. 12, 2014