Common Injuries Found among Slaughterhouse Workers

Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office

Infographic by Huiqi Xu

Common injuries found among meat processing workers

Workers may sustain many different types of injuries while working at meat and poultry plants.

Head

Concussions and cuts caused by being struck by moving equipment, carcasses, and live animals.

Ears

Hearing damage caused by exposure to loud machinery.

Shoulder

Musculoskeletal disorders from forceful exertions, extreme postures and repetitive movements.

Eyes

Burns from chemicals and/or the steam used to sanitize tools and work surfaces.

Foot/Toe

Musculoskeletal disorders from prolonged standing and amputations caused by machinery.

Lungs

Respiratory irritation or even asphyxiation from exposure to chemicals, pathogens, or gases.

Trunk

Bruises and fractures caused by heavy moving containers, kicks from live animals, being struck by carcasses, falling from multilevel walkways, or slipping on wet or greasy floors.

Lower extremities

Injuries from falls and live animals, and cuts caused by employees working too closely together.

Upper extremities

Bruises and fractures, falls, being struck by carcasses, and cuts caused by employees working too closely together.

Hand, wrist, and fingers

Cuts, lacerations, amputations from knives and machinery, musculoskeletal disorders from vibrating tools, awkward postures, forceful exertions, repetitive movements, and cold temperatures.

Back

Sprains and strains from lifting heavy objects or repetitive lifting of lighter objects.

Other

Electric shocks from machines not properly locked out, exposure to infectious diseases, and chemical burns.