Dangers in Meat Processing Plants

Every month, 17 workers suffer severe injuries in meat processing plants across the United States. From repetitive strain injuries to burns, fractures, and amputations, it seems meat plant operators are not doing enough to protect their workers. While overall, serious injuries have been declining slightly over the past few decades, machine accident injuries are still higher in meat processing than other industries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) analyzed accident reports in 22 states for a 31-month period and found that among the 550 serious injuries, finger and fingertip amputations were the most common. Amputations of the hands, arms, and toes were also reported. Beyond these bodily injuries, chronic conditions were even more widespread. Carpal tunnel syndrome and similar injuries from repeating the same motion for long periods of time permanently disables meat plant workers every year.

Increased Risk to Meat Workers

To make things even more challenging for Pennsylvania’s meat workers, plans to remove speed restrictions on pork processing lines are likely to make the job even more dangerous. Without limits on how fast operations can move, workers are more likely to get hurt. Workers who say they have the manpower and time to meet quotas now feel that removing speed caps would allow greed and profit to take precedence over worker safety.

What to Do After a Meat Processing Injury

If you or a loved one was hurt on the job, or a family member suffered a wrongful death at a meat processing plant, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Depending on the nature of your job accident or illness, a Workers’ Compensation claim or a wrongful death suit may be the right option to help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

If you get hurt at work, you should seek immediate medical care, report the injury to your employer, and contact an experienced Philadelphia work injury lawyer. It is also helpful to document the accident scene and collect photos and witness accounts for evidence that may be essential to your claim.

Philadelphia Work Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Protect the Rights of Plant Workers

A work injury can be devastating in so many ways. Not only are you forced to endure the pain and disability caused by your job accident, your injury might keep you from earning an income and providing for your family. At Galfand Berger LLP, an experienced Philadelphia work injury lawyer will fight for your rights. To get started, call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online. With locations in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Bethlehem, and Reading, we proudly represent clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Allentown and Harrisburg.