The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released studies examining the impact of evisceration line speeds on worker safety in poultry and swine processing plants. Conducted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), these studies shed light on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers and the factors influencing these risks.
In the poultry processing study, researchers assessed 1,047 workers across 11 facilities operating at evisceration line speeds between 140 and 175 birds per minute (BPM). Approximately 81% of poultry workers were found to be at increased risk for MSDs, with carpal tunnel syndrome being a significant concern. While the study did not find a direct correlation between faster evisceration line speeds and increased MSD risk, it did identify that piece rate—a metric reflecting job-specific line speed and staffing levels—played a significant role. Higher piece rates were associated with increased risks, suggesting that staffing levels and individual workloads significantly impact worker health.
In the swine processing study, 574 workers were evaluated, with findings indicating that 46% were at high risk for MSDs. The impact of increased line speeds varied between establishments; at one, higher speeds increased the risk of injury, while at another, they reduced the risk. This variability suggests that factors beyond line speed, such as staffing, equipment, and ergonomic practices, play critical roles in ensuring worker safety.
The studies have prompted diverse reactions. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) argued that the findings demonstrate that higher line speeds are not the primary driver of worker safety risks, advocating for maintaining increased line speeds to improve packing efficiency. Conversely, labor unions such as the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) highlighted that the studies confirm significant risks to worker health regardless of line speeds. These organizations are calling for improved safety measures, including better staffing, more comprehensive injury reporting, enhanced access to medical care, and ergonomic job adjustments.
The USDA studies underscore the complex relationship between processing line speeds and worker safety. While faster line speeds alone may not directly correlate with increased injury risks, factors such as piece rates, staffing levels, and ergonomic practices significantly influence worker health outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for holistic safety measures that account for multiple facets of the processing environment to better protect workers.
