Human Rights Crisis in the Meatpacking Industry

Meatpacking Industry Safety Standards

Meatpacking workers have historically been exposed to some of the most dangerous work conditions, resulting in one of the highest injury rates of any occupation in the United States. Between the years 1980 and 1985 the injury rate was three-fold higher for meatpacking plant workers than for all other manufacturing industries (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 1988) and in 2000 the rate of work-related injury and illness for meatpacking workers was 24.7 per 100 employees, while the rate for all manufacturing industries combined was 9.0 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2001).

The causes of these injuries and illnesses are numerous and can occasionally result in death (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008). The recognized hazards (OSHA, 1988) include the following:

Handling live animals and stun guns

Proximity to unguarded machinery that cuts/tears apart a carcass

Handling knives in crowded work...
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