OSHA launches emphasis program for Nebraska meat processing industry

Omaha, NE – OSHA has initiated a Local Emphasis Program for meat processing workers in Nebraska, where employees have an above-average rate of injury.

The agency will focus education and enforcement on common industry hazards, including musculoskeletal and repetitive motion injuries, machine guarding, hazardous energy control, and process safety management.

In 2014, 7.5 percent of meat processing employees had recordable injuries or illnesses, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

OSHA will evaluate ergonomic stressors to try to lessen the effects of musculoskeletal disorders. Workers in the industry experience injuries to their joints, ligaments, nerves and other body parts from repetitive actions and motions.

“The local emphasis program on the meat processing industry provides outreach and education to assist employers to eliminate hazardous working conditions,” OSHA area director in Omaha Jeff Funke said in a press release. “Workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths are always preventable when employers implement a safety and health program focused on hazard identification, corrective actions and employee training.”