DeLauro Leads Members in Fighting for the Health and Safety of Poultry Processing and Meatpacking Workers

WASHINGTON, DC (May 11, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today led Members of the House of Representatives in calling on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to continue its increased focus on occupational hazards faced by poultry processing and meatpacking workers. The poultry industry has recently complained that the inspections are unconstitutional, yet they are valid and legal.

"We believe increased inspections will help reduce injuries from the serious health and safety hazards associated with poultry processing and meatpacking jobs, which currently experience high rates of injury and illness," Members wrote in the letter. "The need for enforcement from your agency is critical to protecting these workers from serious injuries and illnesses and we believe the high incidence rates and the poor safety practices warrant special intervention from OSHA. We believe OSHA's focus on these industries will help ensure that employers identify and eliminate serious workplace hazards and provide safe workplaces for their workers."

In a separate letter to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), DeLauro requested an investigation into the increased use of the disinfectant Peracetic Acid (PAA) in poultry processing and meatpacking plants, as well as its effects on workers' health.

"When the PAA is sprayed onto the meat on the cut lines, it is also sprayed on the workers. Due to the new widespread use of the PAA in poultry and meat plants, it is imperative that NIOSH investigate the health impacts on workers and establish the protective practices that must be implemented by the industry so that workers do not suffer serious health effects," wrote DeLauro. "I believe the government must make sure that the remedy approved to protect consumers from pathogens is not harming the workers who process the chickens they purchase."

The letters come the same day that Oxfam America is releasing a new report that details the routine denial of bathroom breaks for poultry workers across the country. Workers report sometimes having to wait an hour or more after asking to use the restroom, and often having that request met with threats of punishment or firing.

DeLauro has long fought against abusive labor practices in the poultry industry. Last year she led a letter to OSHA calling for a national emphasis program. Since then, OSHA has announced several regional emphasis programs that include targeted inspections in certain states and regions that have the most egregious violations in worker rights.

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