August 29, 2023 | Workers' compensation

Meat processing plants are hotspots for accidents and injuries. The fast-paced environment is physically demanding. Employees work with sharp cutting tools and various other types of equipment. They are also at high risk of contracting infectious diseases. Fortunately, workers that are injured at work or suffer an occupational disease are eligible for workers compensation. Below, we discuss common injuries that these workers suffer and how they can improve their chances of recovering workman’s compensation.

Common Injuries in Meat Processing Plants

Meat processing plants offer workers harsh conditions to work in. These working conditions contribute to the high injury rates recorded in these processing plants. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by workers in the meat processing industry include:

1. Cuts and lacerations

Workers in meat processing plants often have to use sharp knives as well as other cutting tools in processing meat. This increases their risk of suffering cuts and lacerations. These injuries can range in severity from minor to severe. They may require medical attention and even stitches.

2. Muscle strains

These can occur as a result of heavy lifting. Workers in many meat processing plants are required to lift, load and stack heavy packages of meat. Lifting heavy and twisting the body can result in compression on the lower back. It can also lead to strains in muscles in other parts of the body.

3. Herniated discs and spinal injuries

Workers in meat processing plants often carry heavy loads. They are also often engaged in movements that cause the twisting of their bodies. These twisting movements as well as heavy lifting can result in the deterioration of the back and spine. Workers can suffer from spinal injuries such as herniated discs or even vertebrae degeneration.

4. Falls

Meat processing plants often have wet and slippery floors. This is due to the presence of water, blood and other fluids produced during the processing of the meats. The presence of these slippery surfaces increases the risk of slips and falls. This can result in various injuries including head injuries and fractures.

5. Amputations

Meat processing workers often work with mechanical saws and grinders. These are designed to easily cut through meat and even bone. This means that if a worker accidentally gets caught in the machine, they risk having parts of their bodies cut off. It is vital that proper safety precautions are followed when working with these dangerous machines.

6. Exposure to chemicals

Workers in meat processing plants are at high risk of being exposed to dangerous chemicals. Various chemical agents such as cleaning products and sanitizers are used in these plants. Workers can be exposed to these chemicals by accident e.g. when chemicals are stored poorly. They can also be exposed to the chemicals as a result of their day to day work activities e.g. cleaners are exposed to cleaning chemicals. Harmful chemicals can cause a wide range of injuries including skin irritation, respiratory issues, burns and various other problems.

7. Stress from exposure to extreme temperatures

Meat processing plants expose their workers to extreme temperatures. Some areas are extremely cold e.g. areas for refrigerated storage of meats. Other areas are extremely hot such as areas where meat is cooked. Workers that are continually exposed to these extreme temperatures can suffer injuries related to cold or heat stress.

8. Hearing loss

Meat processing plants are quite noisy. Loud noises as well as high frequency noises are generated by the working of machinery and equipment within the processing plant. This can contribute to the occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss in workers. This often occurs over time. It can be avoided by wearing the appropriate hearing protection equipment.

9. Respiratory issues

Workers in meat processing plants may suffer respiratory problems as a result of their exposure to airborne particles such as dust and pathogens. These particles are present in the air within meat processing plants as a result of the activities within the plant. It is important for workers to be provided with the appropriate respiratory equipment.

What You Should Do When You Suffer an Injury at a Meat Processing Plant

If you work at a meat processing plant and have been injured, the steps you take following your injury will influence your ability to recover workers compensation for your injuries or not. It is not only important to get the medical attention you need but also to seek the assistance of a workman’s compensation attorney as soon as possible after the incident.

Getting a workers comp lawyer involved in the case early will be to your advantage. Your attorney will work quickly to ensure that you’re not locked out by any deadlines. They will ensure that your claim is filed correctly. They will also negotiate and fight on your behalf for just compensation. You will greatly improve the outcome of your case by hiring a professional and experienced attorney.

Nebraska Meat Processing Plant Injuries