WASHINGTON — Based on data collected from the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), efforts by the poultry processing industry designed to keep workers safe in the workplace are paying off. According to its 2023 Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses report, which publishes annually, injuries and illness incidences among US poultry slaughtering and processing workers dropped to 2.6 injuries per 100 full-time workers. This rate was below the categories of general industry, manufacturing and food manufacturing for the first time since BLS began tracking this data in 1994 and represented an 89% decline in illnesses and injuries over the past 29 years. The poultry industry rate was well below the broader food manufacturing sector’s 3.6 rate and similar agricultural industries at 4.7 per 100 workers.

The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council, comprised of members of the US Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation, said the 2023 report reflects the poultry industry’s longstanding commitment to worker safety.

“Our employees are our most important asset, and their safety is paramount,” the three groups said in a collective response to the report. “The poultry industry has consistently focused on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses, and this latest data reflects the outstanding safety performance we have achieved.”

The council lauded the efforts of the industry to identify leading causes of injuries, including tasks requiring repetitive motions and implementing innovative solutions to addressing them.

“The poultry industry has always prioritized employee safety and remains dedicated to preventing workplace injuries and illnesses, with a particular focus on musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome. By embracing ergonomic practices and early medical intervention, and by adopting new technology and automation, the industry has made significant strides in worker safety,” the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council said. “We have seen a substantial reduction in injury and illness rates. Nonetheless, the industry remains committed to exploring innovative approaches to further protect our workforce.”