Meatpacking and Worker Safety

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the Human Rights Watch (HRW) suggestions for worker safety in the meatpacking industry. The paper paints a shocking picture of how the meatpacking industry is inherently dangerous but is unconcerned about employee safety and well-being. The paper asserts that the government needs to increase safety and insurance requirements and monitor workers' compensation and medical reports so they get a clearer picture of the meatpacking industry and its dangers.

From the Paper:

"HRW is an organization concerned with the rights and safety of people around the globe. Reporter Cindy Gonzalez notes, "Human Rights Watch is a privately funded group whose goal is to hold governments accountable if they violate the rights of their people" (Gonzalez, 2005, p. B.01). In their studies, they have found numerous human rights violations in the meatpacking industry, especially in the largely immigrant population that holds these jobs. Management intimidates the employees, urges them not to report injuries, and bully them with threats of deportation if they are immigrants. Meatpacking is inherently dangerous, because of the nature of the work. Another report notes that many of the injuries are serious."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anonymous. (1999). Improvements in workplace safety--United States, 1900-1999. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; Atlanta; Jun 11, 1999.
• Editors. (2006). Human rights watch welcomes U.S. Government meat and poultry study. Retrieved 13 Oct. 2008 from the Human Rights Watch Web site: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/02/03/usdom10117.htm.
• Editors. (2005). Blood, sweat, and fear: Workers' rights in U.S. meat and poultry plants. Retrieved 13 Oct. 2008 from the Human Rights Watch Web site: http://www.hrw.org/reports/2005/usa0105/.
• Editors. (1988). Safety and health guide for the meatpacking industry. Retrieved 13 Oct. 2008 from the OSHA Web site: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3108/osha3108.html.
• Gonzalez, Cindy. (Jan. 26, 2005). Group criticizes packers: Meat industry officials dismiss Human Rights Watch report Recommendations; [Iowa, Nebraska Edition]. Omaha World - Herald. Omaha, Neb. pg. 01.B

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