Injuries And Deaths At Poultry Plants

Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer explains what you need to know

Poultry plant workers in the greater Atlanta area often work with tools and machinery to cut, sort, and package poultry meat. There are many serious hazards poultry plant workers face on the job. The poultry processing industry is among the most dangerous occupations with a disproportionately high rate of severe injuries and deaths.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in poultry and egg production plants across the U.S. during 2019. About 1,500 of them resulted in days away from work and job transfers/restrictions. In addition, there were seven deaths in the poultry and egg production facilities nationwide.

One of the most serious and fatal poultry plant accidents occurred in January 2021 in Gainesville, Georgia, the poultry processing capital of the world. A liquid nitrogen leak in the plant resulted in six deaths and 11 injuries. This was not the first time serious workplace injuries have occurred at chicken processing plants in Gainesville. Workplace injuries at processing plants in the Georgia community in the past have resulted in amputation injuries and numerous fines for safety violations.

Common hazards poultry plant workers face

Those who work in poultry plants often perform repetitive tasks and endure long hours standing. This involves working with knives, slicers, grinders, and other potentially dangerous tools. In addition, poultry workers often carry heavy objects, sometimes when the floors are slippery or cluttered with debris.

To protect workers, plant owners and managers have an obligation to comply with strict guidelines required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and have safety controls in place. This includes:

Effective ergonomics programs
Hearing protection for workers
Ensuring that machinery and electrical systems are locked out/tagged out when not in use
Providing workers with personal protective equipment (PPE)
Keeping dangerous equipment guarded
Maintaining walking areas to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents
Keeping facilities maintained, sanitized, and properly ventilated
Ensuring that exit doors are not blocked or locked while employees are working

Some of the most common injuries we see at poultry plants are:

Severe lacerations
Amputated fingers and other body parts
Permanent nerve damage
Illnesses linked to unsanitary and poorly maintained facilities and poor ventilation
Illnesses linked to exposure to hazardous chemicals such as nitrogen and ammonia
Injuries from slip and fall accidents
Repetitive stress injuries linked to poor ergonomics
Burns, scalding injuries, and electrocutions
Hearing loss due to excessive noise

Getting workers’ compensation benefits after a poultry plant injury can be difficult

If you sustained an injury while working at a poultry plant in the greater Atlanta area, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In Georgia, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means negligence doesn’t need to be proven. However, you must prove that your injury or illness occurred within the scope of your employment.

Workers’ compensation pays for:

Current and future medical expenses
Temporary total disability – two-thirds of your average weekly pay prior to your injury
Temporary partial disability – pays a portion of your income loss if your job is modified for less pay
Permanent total disability if you’re unable to work again due to your injury
Permanent partial disability if you’re able to work, but for less pay

When pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, be sure to take the following actions:

Notify your employer of your workplace injury or illness immediately
See a doctor as soon as possible and notify them that you have sustained an injury or illness on the job
Get documentation of your diagnosis and medical treatment
Speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to maximize your chances of obtaining your full benefits

Navigating the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing, especially for those filing for the first time. An attorney at the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. can guide you through the process and help you get the best possible outcome for your case. To learn more, contact us online or call us to schedule your free case evaluation.