050112 OSHA Focuses on Reducing Hazards in the Poultry Industry

Washington - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) joined forces with the National Chicken Council (NCC) and National Turkey Federation (NTF) to focus on safety and health issues, including reducing ergonomic-related hazards associated with poultry processing.

The Alliance unites NCC and NTF with OSHA on efforts to provide information, guidance and access to training resources to ensure the safety and health of workers throughout the industry, with a particular emphasis on reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic-related hazards.

"We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship with the National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation," said Jonathan L. Snare, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. "Both organizations worked with us in the development of ergonomics guidelines for poultry processing, and by continuing to draw on their expertise, together we can make positive strides in ensuring that the industry's workers are armed with the tools they need to stay safe and healthy at work."

"We're proud to join with OSHA in a new Alliance that will place a new emphasis on worker protection and safety in the industry," said George Watts, NCC President. "We look forward to working with OSHA in this creative and positive Alliance to take the industry's already very good performance in this area and make it even better."

Added Alice L. Johnson, NTF President: "The industry has extensive experience in training and developing employees to ensure their safety and health. Through this Alliance, we will continue to contribute the lessons learned in how to focus on appropriate workstation redesign, personnel training, and early intervention as ways to eliminate or minimize musculoskeletal problems in the workplace."

OSHA and NCC/NTF will work together to develop training and education programs for the poultry industry on ergonomics techniques, program structure, and applications in the poultry industry. Information will be disseminated in various languages through print and electronic media, including electronic assistance tools and links from the organization's individual websites. OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals will share information regarding NCC/NTF best practices or effective approaches, and then publicize it through OSHA or NCC/NTF developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars and lectures.

The NCC represents the nation's chicken industry and addresses the interests of the industry with Congress and federal agencies. Members include chicken producers/processors, poultry distributors, and allied industry firms. The NTF is a national trade association for all segments of the turkey industry and develops education and information resources for the public and its members. NTF's members include growers, processors, hatchers, breeders, distributors, allied services and state associations.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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