Millions of pounds of chicken, the most sought after meat in the United States, are processed each week and workers are injured in the process.
One In Six Injured
According to the U.S. Labor Department, one in every six poultry workers suffers a work-related injury, twice the rate of the manufacturing industry. As consumers continue to demand chicken in mass quantities, laborers work extra long hours to fill this demand. Because the profit in chicken is just a few cents a pound, the amount of money made depends on how fast the workers move.
Lines Stop Only For Equipment Failure
Line speed in chicken processing plants is monitored only for food safety; not worker safety. As a result deaths, accidents and serious injuries have occurred in chicken processing plants across the country. Injuries range from deep cuts made by the claws of live chickens, to torn ligaments from repetitive lifting of the birds. The repeated lifting is especially straining on the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. A worker will lift thousands of the four to six pound birds at a speed of 21-23 chickens per minute onto a line moving 210 birds per minute. The lines stop only for equipment failure.
Workers Frequently Miss Work Due To Injury
With these dangerous conditions in mind, it's no surprise that poultry workers miss more days than other workers. An OSHA survey found that poultry worker's missed days were for injuries and illnesses caused by unsafe working conditions and related hazards. Repetitive stress injuries caused by making the same motion over and over again, can last for years. For example, a person working as a shoulder cutter on a breast deboning line is required to make about 1600 slices an hour. Some workers have had repeated surgeries, each time returning to work until another injury sends them for more surgery.
Death And Maimings Not Uncommon
Unfortunately, death or maiming is not uncommon. One worker was killed by churning paddles when he fell into a vat. Another worker lost his leg when he slipped and fell feet first into the moving blade of an ice crusher. Closer inspection revealed there was no button to turn off the power to the ice crusher.
Dangerous Conditions Can Cause Permanent Damage
The constant roar inside the processing plant can damage hearing, requiring workers to undergo annual hearing tests. Through the continuous din of noise, workers try to navigate on surfaces and concrete floors that are always wet and slick with water, ice and blood. The Department of Labor has even divided the many injuries of the poultry processing industry into categories that include "slips, trips and falls" and "struck by, struck against and caught in."
Immigrant Workers Unaware Of Rights
These dangerous and difficult jobs are often filled by recently-arrived immigrants who are unaware of their basic rights. The issues are so serious that the Catholic Church has sent pastoral letters published in English and Spanish asking for justice for poultry workers. The National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice points out that workers have been harassed or fired for complaining about working conditions or participating in union organizing activities.
Hill Boren Can Help And We Know How
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of work at a chicken processing plant, contact Hill Boren immediately. We will be glad to investigate and determine whether that accident or injury could have been avoided. If we believe you should be compensated for those injuries and loss of income, you can trust that we will work to obtain justice for you. Your consultation is free and your conversation with us is strictly confidential. Please contact us immediately.