Poultry Industry Wants to Speed Up Production, Despite Spotty Safety Records

The poultry industry is well-known for more than just its alleged mistreatment of animals. It is also infamous for its break-neck production speeds and high rate of factory worker injuries. Now they are looking to increase the number of birds they can process per minute. If successful, it could further increase the risk of serious illness and injury for their employees. Learn more about the conditions under which poultry workers are forced to work and discover what rights you or a loved one may have if an injury, death, or illness has occurred.

Statistics show that the poultry industry has the sixth highest rate of severe worker injuries in America, but there is evidence to suggest that they may be closer to the top of the list. In fact, many injuries and illnesses in this industry go unreported. Some fear retaliation. Others fear deportation. Regardless of the reason, one truth remains: the rate of injury in the poultry industry is already too high, and the desire to increase production without increasing pay or the number of workers on the floor shows a clear disregard for the well-being of its employees.

Although workers may experience a wide range of illnesses or injuries, those pertaining to repetitive motion, defective or improperly maintained equipment, and illnesses caused by unhygienic environments and chemicals are among the most common. Slip and fall injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, are also rather common in the poultry industry, especially on the lines where there may be animal secretions.

Work injuries are typically covered under the workers’ compensation program, but they must be reported to be considered eligible for compensation. Employees may also be entitled to compensation outside the workers’ compensation system if there is an element of negligence on the part of the employer or a third-party entity. Though these cases are rare, they do exist – particularly in production and manufacturing industries. As such, victims are encouraged to have their case analyzed by an experienced work injury lawyer.

If you or someone you love has been injured or become ill because of work conditions within the poultry industry, contact Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP for assistance. Committed to helping you obtain the compensation that you deserve, our San Jose work injury lawyers will aggressively protect your rights throughout the entire claims process. No matter what the situation, we work toward the most favorable outcome possible. Learn more by scheduling a free and personalized consultation. Call (408) 289-1417 today.

• Too fast for safety? poultry industry wants to speed up the slaughter line