Source: Susan Kelly, MEATINGPLACE, 12/25/18



The rate of occupational injuries and illnesses for U.S. meat and poultry packers and processors reached an all-time low in 2017, the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) said, citing the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The data show there were 4.8 cases of occupational injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers in the meat and poultry sector in 2017, down from the previous industry low of 5.3 cases per 100 workers recorded in 2016. Non-fatal injuries have been cut in half during the past 12 years, NAMI said.

Serious injuries included in the BLS’ Days Away, Restricted, or Job Transfer (DART) rate for the sector totaled 3.6 cases per 100 workers, matching the previous historic low. In 2016, the DART incidence rate was 4.4 cases per 100 full-time workers.

NAMI holds an annual conference on worker safety and presents awards to meat and poultry plants that have achieved high levels of workplace safety performance. The 2019 Worker Safety Conference for the Meat and Poultry Industry is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 in conjunction with the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The Worker Safety Recognition Awards will be presented during NAMI’s annual awards ceremony and luncheon on Feb. 12 in Atlanta.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.