Frequently Asked Question
LaborSlaughterhouse/meatpacking injuries
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Meat and poultry processing work is associated with serious injury risks (cuts, amputations, repetitive strain), and regulators have documented hazards and enforcement actions. Rates vary by time and jurisdiction but remain a recognized occupational safety issue.
Evidence Summary
- Line speed, sharp tools, cold environments, and repetitive motion increase risk.
- OSHA has run targeted enforcement/industry focus efforts. Evidence quality: Moderate–High Limitations / nuance: Facility-level variation; underreporting is an issue in some labor contexts. Bottom line: The “just like any factory job” framing ignores well-documented hazard profiles.