CHICAGO (Reuters) – Workers in U.S. chicken and pork processing plants are at a significantly higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
Including carpal tunnel syndrome, compared to other manufacturing workers, according to two recent studies funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
These findings shed light on the health challenges faced by employees who engage in repetitive tasks and handle hazardous equipment, such as sharp knives, while processing meat for consumers.
Many of these roles are filled by immigrants and undocumented workers, with over 50% of U.S. meatpacking workers being immigrants, compared to just 17% of the general workforce, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research.
In a USDA-funded study involving 1,047 poultry workers across 11 plants with faster processing speeds, 81% were found to be at increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
The study also highlighted a correlation between the amount of chicken handled per minute and heightened health risks, although no direct link to line speed was established.
A separate study of 574 pork plant workers revealed that 46% were at high risk for similar disorders.
The impact of increased line speeds varied between establishments, with workers frequently expressing concerns about reporting pain due to fears of retaliation or lack of action. One pork plant worker shared, “Everyone works in pain and is afraid to speak out.”
The Meat Institute, an industry group representing major producers like Tyson Foods and JBS USA, stated that improvements in processes and equipment are being implemented to reduce workplace injuries.
The group emphasized that “It is possible to maintain worker safety standards while operating at increased line speeds.”
However, advocacy groups argue that the dangers extend beyond musculoskeletal injuries.
Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, which represents over 15,000 poultry workers, highlighted additional risks. “Poultry workers toil in cramped, cold conditions, slicing up birds thousands of times per hour as chickens rush down the line,”
he said.
The reports underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and greater protections for workers in the meatpacking industry, many of whom continue to face significant health challenges in the line of duty.
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