The incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses within the poultry sector’s slaughter and processing workforce in 2023 has fallen below all general industry, manufacturing and food manufacturing levels for the first time since the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began recording injuries and illnesses information in 1994.

The poultry industry’s rate of 2.6 injuries per 100 full-time workers was below the rate of 4.7 for similar agricultural industries and lower than 3.6 for the entire food manufacturing sector, all of the manufacturing industries at 2.8, and all of the general industry at 2.7.

The poultry processing sector’s 2023 incident rate of 2.6 represents an 89% decrease from 1994, the oldest data available on the BLS website, when the recorded rate was 22.7; this demonstrates the advancements the industry has made in improving safety for its workforce, according to a joint statement from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the National Chicken Council (NCC) and the National Turkey Federation (NTF), the three industry groups that comprise the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council. Collectively, the three organizations represent companies that produce 95% of the nation's poultry products and directly employ more than 350,000 workers.

Related:USDA begins national milk testing strategy to address H5N1 in dairy herds

"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. 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," the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council stated in response to the report's release.

“Our employees are our most important asset, and their safety is paramount,” USPOULTRY, NCC and NTF said in 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. Having a lower incident rate than the general industry, manufacturing and food manufacturing categories is a milestone we are proud to have reached. We will continue setting new benchmarks to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees.”

Related:Sustainable vs. regenerative agriculture: What’s in it for animal agriculture

USPOULTRY is an association that progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services.

NCC represents integrated chicken producer-processors – the companies that produce and process chickens. Its member companies account for more than 95% of the chicken sold in the U.S.

NTF is the national advocate for America’s turkey farmers and processors, raising awareness for its members’ products while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food to consumers worldwide.