Washington (Washington Insider Magazine) – Poultry workers raise concerns over faster production lines causing more injuries as the USDA halts safety data reports following increased line speeds.
As reported by The Guardian, the Trump administration has revealed plans to speed up production lines in poultry and pork plants. They also stop the requirement for safety reports, a move critics say will increase injuries.
What did the USDA say about speeding up production lines and safety reports?
The USDA confirmed its intention to permanently extend waivers for speeding up production lines in poultry and pork plants, applying the changes universally across all such facilities.
The department also plans to stop collecting worker safety data, claiming it is “redundant,” and referencing research that denies a direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries.
What did the USDA report reveal about line speeds and worker injuries?
According to a USDA study from January, injuries were not mainly caused by faster line speeds, but by a higher “piece rate,” which correlated with more injuries.
The report highlighted that injury rates among poultry workers remain high at 140 and 175 birds per minute. It showed 81% of workers at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders, revealing that current efforts to mitigate risks are insufficient.
The report revealed that 70% of workers experienced “moderate to severe work-related pain” within the first three months of their employment.
What did Michael and Maria Payan say about injuries and speed in poultry processing?
The director of operations at the Sussex Health and Environmental Network (Shen), an organization based in Delaware and Maryland, Michael Payan, stated,
“There’s injuries occurring on a regular basis, and it’s most definitely associated with the speeds that people are moving,”
Maria Payan from Shen said increasing production inputs leads to higher injury rates.
She inquired,
“Why, at the same time you’re increasing line speeds, would you eliminate collecting worker safety data?”
asking,
“If they don’t think it’s going to affect the workers, then why would they stop collecting the data?”
Maria Payan stated,
“We have a lot of workers who are not being trained properly in their language,”
adding,
“If you understand this industry, these are very, very, very dangerous jobs.”
How will the new USDA line speed rules affect workers?
With the new regulations, workers can process up to 175 birds per minute, a rise from the 140-bird limit before 2020. However, unlike 2020, when meatpacking workers faced high illness and death rates from COVID-19, there are no current meat shortages.
The USDA stated in a statement that the measure will
“reduce burdens on the US pork and poultry industries … ensuring they can meet demand without excessive government interference.”
Oxfam’s 2015 report about line speeds and injuries in poultry processing
The 2015 Oxfam report highlighted rising line speeds as a major factor in injuries in the poultry industry.
The report suggests that injuries in poultry processing might be lower than expected, as poultry processors often provide on-site medical care, which helps avoid referrals to external medical professionals.
The Oxfam report stated,
“If companies can avoid doing more than this, they don’t have to record the incident, or report to the US government’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).”
What happened to the young worker who fell at a chicken plant?
A young man had worked at the chicken processing plant for only two weeks, struggling to adjust to the job and meet the heavy workload.
Following an injury at work, he continued his duties until he fell from a 13ft ladder, resulting in a broken back.
He said,
“I could’ve been paralyzed for the rest of my life,” the man said. Now, he’s “living with remorse and regret.”
What did a worker say about his 15 years on the processing line?
A man spent 15 years working on the processing lines. He spent “15 years doing the same thing five days a week, eight to 10 hours a day.” After eight years, he started experiencing pain but continued working.
He underwent surgery for repetitive stress injuries and was fired during recovery.
How did a new worker end up with chemical burns on his first day?
A man’s first day in the sanitation department led to burns when chemicals seeped into his sleeves, causing severe irritation.
The man stated,
“There was no proper training at all.”
