OSHA updates inspection guidance for slaughtering, processing industries

OSHA updated its inspection guidance for animal slaughtering and processing industries on October 16. Inspection Guidance for Animal Slaughtering and Processing Establishments, which previously applied only to poultry establishments, aims to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses through a combination of enforcement, compliance assistance, and outreach.

Inspections will focus on several hazards, including:

• Sanitation and cleanup operations,
• Ergonomics,
• Hazardous energy, and
• Machine guarding.

Compliance officers also will conduct inspections during off-shift times, identify workplace activities that impact employees most at risk (such as temporary or new employees), review training efforts with an emphasis on language or comprehension barriers, ensure translation services are provided during interviews, and include employee representatives in the inspection process.

Employer-reported data shows that meat and poultry workers suffer severe injuries at higher rates than other workers. Additionally, Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate occupational illness cases reported in the animal slaughtering and processing industry were six times higher than the average for all industries in 2022.