New Jersey residents may be interested to hear that chicken and poultry processing workers are among the most likely to suffer a severe injury on the job. This is according to a report from the National Employment Law Project. The report was based on severe injury data reported to OSHA between January 2015 and September 2016. Overall, poultry processing workers suffered 180 severe injuries during this period, which ranked 12th in employer severe injury reporting.
That was higher than the automobile industry, the steel industry and the saw mill industry. According to data between January 2016 and September 2016, 14,000 companies from 29 states reported severe injuries to OSHA. Two chicken and meat processing companies were in the top 10 for most injuries reported. Tyson Foods ranked fourth while Pilgrim’s Pride ranked sixth on the list. NELP said in a press release that injuries could be prevented by companies following basic OSHA safety rules.
Those who are injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits may provide compensation to pay for medical bills as well as to help make up for lost wages. Employees may be entitled to benefits even if they were fully or partially at fault for the injuries that they experienced.
If an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company denies a claim, it may be possible to appeal that ruling. An attorney may help an injured worker appeal the claim or take other steps necessary to compel payment. While benefits are generally offered on a temporary basis, they may be extended on a permanent basis if a worker is not able to return to work. Legal counsel may be able to help workers who may have questions about their rights as it relates to obtaining benefits.
