Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 9/29/16


Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) has written a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to continue its regional and local emphasis programs on worker safety in the poultry and meat industries, and to consider implementing a national emphasis program.

The letter comes after a recent flurry of OSHA activity in the industry, including $263,498 in proposed fines for Tyson Foods’ Center, Texas, plant, and a legal battle with Mar-Jac Poultry for expanded access to its Gainesville, Ga., plant.

DeLauro also cites a May 2016 Government Accountability Office report that found improved injury and illness rates but continued hazardous conditions.

“The GAO report and recent OSHA findings are clear signs that increased OSHA enforcement in this industry is necessary to ensure the health and safety of American workers,” DeLauro wrote. “I call on OSHA to continue all the regional and local emphasis programs the agency initiated in 2015 and 2016 in the meat and poultry industry—and I urge you to consider implementing a National Emphasis Program.”

Read the full letter here.

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