Cuts and Lacerations in the Poultry Industry

Cuts and lacerations make up about 10% of injuries in the poultry processing industry. If you’ve been injured at work, contact a New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer for advice about your particular injury.

Cuts and lacerations are often caused by the following:

• The employer does not provide or the employee does not use personal protective equipment, such as cut-resistant gloves.
• Cut-resistant gloves offer protection, but do not completely remove the potential for cuts.
• The gloves are not appropriate for the job (e.g., the wrong size or type).
• Knives and scissors are not kept sharp.
• Knives and scissors are not maintained or stored properly.
• Knives and scissors are designed poorly.
• Workstations can’t be modified, so some employees work in uncomfortable positions.
• Employees work too close together resulting in cuts to nearby employees.
• Inadequate lighting.
• Improper cutting positions.
• Piecework payment that encourages employees to work quickly, rather than safely.
• Distractions, such as loud noises or music.
• Defective cutting machine guards.
• Improper use of cutting machines.
• Protective gloves can get caught in machinery and pull an employee’s hand into the machine.

Employers should take the following steps to reduce cuts and lacerations. If they do not, a New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help you get benefits.

• Schedule reviews of the work site to ensure personal protective equipment and other safety mechanisms are maintained and used properly.
• Investigate incidents and near-miss incidents.
• Put into operation a system for employees to notify management of potential hazards.
• Keep knives and scissors sharp and in good condition.
• Remove damaged knives from the work site.
• Provide and use cut-resistant gloves.
• Maintain gloves in good condition.
• Remove damaged gloves from the work site and replace them.
• Make sure work surfaces are at a suitable height for employees.
• Provide sufficient space around employees.
• Make sure machine guards are in place and are adjusted properly.

If you have been injured at a poultry processing plant or in any other workplace setting, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Contact New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer Dan Matrafajlo at (908)248-4404 for a free evaluation of your case.