2 injuries meat-packing workers are at risk of sustaining

The meat packing industry plays a crucial role in feeding the global population, but it comes with significant occupational hazards. Due to the nature of their work, meat-packing workers face some of the highest injury and illness rates among all U.S. industries.

These employees are at constant risk due to exposure to sharp tools and high-speed production lines. As a result, meat-packing workers might want to explore the most common injuries in their line of work and how they can pursue workers’ compensation in the event that injuries occur.

Lacerations and puncture wounds

Handling sharp tools, such as knives and saws, is an integral part of a meat packer’s daily responsibilities. Unfortunately, this exposes workers to a high risk of lacerations and puncture wounds. These injuries often occur when workers are required to perform repetitive cuts at high speeds.

Improperly maintained tools and insufficient safety training can exacerbate this risk. Protective gloves and proper training can reduce these injuries. However, the risks remain a persistent challenge in this high-demand industry.

Chemical exposure injuries

The cleaning and sanitization processes in meat packing facilities often involve the use of potent chemicals. Workers exposed to these chemicals without adequate protective equipment can suffer from:

• Chemical burns
• Respiratory issues
• Skin irritation

In poorly ventilated areas, prolonged exposure may lead to chronic conditions, such as asthma.

Pursuing workers’ compensation

Injured meat-packing workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation costs

However, injured workers should follow the right procedure when applying for compensation to secure the financial resources they deserve. Instead of staying quiet about their injuries, affected workers should notify their employer as soon as the injury occurs. This jumpstarts the workers’ compensation application process early to avoid claim delay or denial.

Injured workers should also seek medical intervention to determine the acuteness of their injuries. Seeking medical assistance can also help injured workers determine how much compensation they’ll need to cover present and future medical expenses.

Meat-packing workers who sustain injuries in their line of work should report their injuries immediately to initiate the workers’ compensation application process. With compassionate legal guidance, affected workers can work towards securing sufficient financial resources to cover all the damages.