As you know, the meatpacking industry is responsible for taking care of countless families in Omaha. The work is difficult and often dangerous, but the income it provides attracts many employees.
Nebraska residents are proud of the state’s reputation for providing the nation with premium meat products. However, most of these residents would love to see a reduction in the industry’s volume of industrial workers’ accidents. Having access to (and using) personal protective equipment is one way to accomplish this lofty goal.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), providing protective clothing and equipment may reduce industrial workers’ accidents for meatpacking workers. Examples of this equipment and clothing include the following.
- Safety shoes or boots equipped with slip-resistant soles and toe guards can prevent falling accidents.
- Wearing protective gloves can prevent chemical burns as well as exposure to infectious diseases.
- Using aprons and gloves composed of a metal mesh can prevent knife injuries and reduces dismemberment hazards.
- Safety helmets protect a worker’s head from falling objects and other blows to the head.
- Adjustable work tables and stands can help prevent back injuries by giving workers the ability to adjust their height.
Other accident and injury-reducing gear include ear protection, eye and face protection and access to respirators in the event a toxic substance enters the atmosphere.
While most employers in the meatpacking industry take steps to protect their staff, industrial workers’ accidents can still occur. When they do, workers like you have the right to seek recompense for your injuries. If you have difficulty filing a successful workers’ compensation claim, please seek assistance from a qualified legal professional.