Poultry Processing

Before using any chemical, information on the label and accompanying information (e.g., safety data sheets) should be consulted in order to identify any personal protective equipment necessary to prevent direct contact through inhalation, splash or spatter to eyes, nose or mouth, or skin contact.

Workers should try to take breaks to allow soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) to rest throughout the day. Changing the work area or process to improve posture, reduce force or limit repetition can reduce stress on the body.  Additionally, rotating to another task that involves use of a different motion or body part can help if done correctly.

Before beginning any task, ask yourself if you will be subjecting any part of your body to a hazard for which PPE is recommended or required. Be sure to inspect your PPE before properly donning them.

Employees who are authorized to service and perform maintenance on equipment should always ensure that the equipment has been locked out or tagged out in accordance with established procedures before beginning work.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Safety and Health Programs

Example process safety management plan, hazard communication program, respirator program, hearing conservation program, lockout/tagout program and PPE and hazard analysis can be downloaded and customized to fit an individual workplace. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. These example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.

Training and Outreach Services

These presentation on hazard communication, respiratory protection, ergonomics, personal protective equipment, walking and working surfaces, machinery and machine guarding, lockout/tagout and noise exposure can assist employers in training their staff.  They should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.  In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Topics

Other related resource information can be found on the safety and health topics page for exits and exit routes, ergonomics, process safety management, walking and working surfaces, personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout, sanitation, respiratory protection, hazard communication, machine guarding, powered industrial trucks, abrasive wheels, electrical safety, ventilation, noise, avian influenza, amputations and ammonia/ammonia refrigeration.

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.