For almost 35 years, the poultry industry has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. The industry’s engagement in the prevention and early treatment of MSDs can serve as a model for other industries that are also facing the challenges of dealing with the problematic issues associated with these injuries.
In January 2010, the study Ergonomics in the Poultry Industry: A Review of 25 Years of Industry Efforts was released. The study chronicled the progress made and the successes earned concerning ergonomics, including the significant decrease in MSDs. It also discusses how the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has focused its attention on the poultry industry over this period and the positive results that have come from joint OSHA and industry efforts.