Two new videos in the Meat MythCrushers series take on long held myths about worker safety and how line speeds are regulated in the meat and poultry industry. The videos feature Dennis Burson, Ph.D. professor meat extension & food safety specialist at the University of Nebraska.
Dr. Burson discusses the improvements in the meat industry that have led to considerable worker safety benefits. Department of Labor statistics show meat and poultry industry injury and illness rates are at an all-time industry low of 5.5 cases per 100 full-time workers per year in 2014. The results demonstrate a substantial improvement from 10 years ago, when the number of injuries and illnesses stood at 10.3 cases per 100 full-time workers, and 20 years ago, when the rate was 24.3 cases per 100 workers.