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Researchers affiliated with Emory University have found evidence that food workers have a 60 percent higher rate of occupational injuries and illnesses than other industries. According to data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), severe injuries requiring time off from work were more than twice as likely among food workers. To put the size of the problem into perspective, BLS statistics show 57,975 excess injuries and illnesses for workers in the food industry.
In addition to a high rate of injuries, food workers have a death rate 9.5 times higher than other industries. The food industry makes up 15 percent of private jobs in the U.S., so it is worth mentioning the data on work accidents covers a larger population of workers.
Work in the food industry includes processing, which can expose workers to trips and falls. Food industry jobs also include agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, hunting, and trapping. Only food service jobs were exempt from a higher number of work injuries and deaths, such as waiting tables.
Why Are Work Injuries Common In The Food Industry?
Unsafe working conditions are not the fault of workers. Several weeks ago, we wrote a blog on a Columbus-area chicken processing plant being fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for safety violations. Specifically, OSHA cited the plant for exposing workers to dangerous machinery.
Injured workers might be able to receive workers’ compensation or other benefits. Contacting an attorney can become an important step in recovering.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorneys
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