If you’ve been injured at a poultry processing plant, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. That’s where a good lawyer comes in. An experienced poultry processing plant injury lawyer can help guide you through the process and make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the key things that you should know if you’ve been injured at a poultry processing plant, beginning with some of the more common poultry processing-related injuries.
What are the most common injuries in poultry processing plants?
As the poultry processing industry has increased in speed, efficiency, and volume, so have the risks for plant worker injury. The most common injuries in these types of facilities include cuts from knives or other equipment, strains from repetitive motion, and slips or falls caused by wet floors.
One particularly dangerous aspect of poultry processing is the use of high-powered machinery to remove feathers and process meat. These machines can cause severe crushing injuries if not operated properly, leading to loss of fingers or limbs.
In addition, poultry workers may suffer bites or scratches. These can sometimes lead to serious infections, especially if the wound is not properly cleaned and treated.
Here’s a list of some additional workplace hazards that are common in meat processing:
- Preparing animals for slaughter such as stunning or severing the jugular vein
- Removing outer layers of skin or feathers
- Lifting and sawing, splitting or scribing carcasses into smaller pieces
- Cutting carcasses to eviscerate and trim prior to butchering
- Breathing potentially hazardous chemicals used to prevent bacterial growth on meat
- Butchering carcasses into component parts and culling waste products
- Processing meat for packaging such as deboning or grinding
- Using ovens or vats to cook food
- Maintaining mechanized equipment involved in processing
- Stocking production lines with adequate supplies
- Sanitizing workstations and equipment to prevent contamination of surfaces
- Removing and repairing malfunctioning equipment from a production line
These are just some of the many dangers that workers in meat and poultry processing plants face on a daily basis. If you have been injured while working in one of these factories or facilities, it’s important to seek out the help of an experienced poultry processing plant injury attorney who can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
How can I avoid getting injured in a poultry processing plant?
Working in a poultry processing plant can, unfortunately, come with its risks of injury, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
First and foremost, make sure to always follow the safety regulations set in place by your employer. That means wearing the appropriate equipment and clothing, such as steel-toe boots, hairnets, and protective gloves.
Second, staying alert and paying attention to your surroundings is important for avoiding injury. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice any unsafe practices or equipment.
Third, make sure to take breaks when you feel tired or sore. It’s important to stay hydrated and rested to avoid injury.
By taking the necessary precautions and being proactive about safety, you can significantly reduce your chances of poultry processing plant injury.
It’s also important for poultry processing plant employers to prioritize employee safety by providing proper training, enforcing worker safety protocols, and regularly maintaining equipment. Doing so can help create a safer work environment and reduce the injury rate and severity of injuries or illnesses in poultry processing facilities.
What should I do if I have a poultry processing plant injury?
If you have suffered a poultry processing plant injury, there are several important steps to take.
1. Seek medical attention
It is important to prioritize your health and well-being above all else, and poultry processing injuries can easily lead to infection if not properly treated. Always make sure to seek proper medical attention for your poultry processing plant injury and follow your doctor’s instructions for care.
2. Notify your employer
Notify your supervisor of the incident as soon as possible. This is a key step in ensuring your workers’ compensation benefits, as well as preventing future accidents from occurring to you and your coworkers.
3. Document everything
Keep a record of your injury, the circumstances surrounding it, who you reported it to and when, and all medical bills or treatment costs. These documents will be important evidence for your claim and may be the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and getting nothing at all.
4. Contact a poultry processing plant injury lawyer.
Perhaps the most important step you can take after suffering an injury in a poultry processing plant is to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and get the maximum benefits you are entitled to. A good poultry processing plant injury lawyer will be familiar with the ins and outs of these types of claims and can help you get the best possible outcome.
Suffering an injury in a poultry processing plant can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. But by taking the right steps, you can ensure that you get the medical attention you need and the compensation you deserve. Following these steps after a poultry processing plant injury can help you get the treatment and compensation that you need to move forward.
For more information or if you have any questions about poultry processing plant injuries or workers’ compensation, contact us below.
Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen: Poultry Processing Plant Injury Lawyers
Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen: The People First Lawyers have been helping injured workers maximize their New Jersey workers’ comp claims since 1995. Our law firm works tirelessly for our clients to ensure you receive medical treatment, financial compensation, and justice. With four board-certified workers’ compensation lawyers on our team, we are well-equipped to handle your workplace injury claim.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a poultry processing plant injury or occupational disease, contact our office to schedule a free consultation or call us 24/7 at (856) 751-7676.
