Industry safety professionals recently gathered in Destin, Fla., to examine and discuss the safety challenges facing those involved in poultry production and processing. The National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry is sponsored by the Georgia Tech Research Institute/ATRP and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).
The theme of this year’s conference was one of engaging with and listening to employees. Patricia Adams, Livestock/Poultry Northeast field supervisor for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, presented on safety’s role in an avian influenza outbreak. She related several key points about the potential hazards encountered by those tasked with responding to an avian influenza event, including the possibility of a heat-related illness brought on by the combination of strenuous activity, heat and personal protective equipment required for the response. She also noted the importance of fit-testing respirators and having identifying information visible on the exterior of Tyvek or similar suits. She remarked that it was important to provide employees with a safe, appropriate area to don and doff protective equipment.