In 2026, poultry broiler processing achieved the lowest injury and illness rates ever recorded, with incidence levels falling below all general industry, manufacturing, and food manufacturing benchmarks. This milestone reflects decades of investment in ergonomics, automation, and worker safety programs.
Declining Injury and Illness Rates
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that poultry processing recorded 2.4 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2024, marking a 90% decrease since 1994, when the rate was 22.7. This figure is lower than general industry (2.6), manufacturing (2.7), and food manufacturing (3.3), confirming poultry’s leadership in workplace safety1.
Comparison with Other Industries
When compared to similar agricultural sectors, poultry processing continues to outperform. The 2.4 rate is below the 3.2 cases per 100 workers seen in comparable agricultural industries. This demonstrates that poultry companies have successfully reduced risks through targeted safety measures, surpassing broader industry averages.
Factors Behind the Improvement
Industry leaders attribute these improvements to several key strategies:
- Ergonomics programs to reduce musculoskeletal injuries.
- Automation and technology adoption to minimize repetitive strain and hazardous tasks.
- Comprehensive training for workers on safety protocols.
- Early intervention programs that address potential health issues before they escalate.
The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council, representing the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council, and National Turkey Federation, emphasized that protecting workers is central to industry operations.
Broader Workplace Safety Context
Across private industry in 2024, employers reported 2.5 million injury and illness cases, a 3.1% decrease from 2023. This decline aligns with poultry’s progress, showing a nationwide trend toward safer workplaces. However, poultry’s rate remains significantly lower than the overall average, highlighting the sector’s exceptional performance2.
Industry Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Despite achieving record-low rates, poultry organizations stress that safety efforts are ongoing. The industry continues to invest in:
- Advanced monitoring systems for workplace hazards.
- Employee wellness initiatives to support long-term health.
- Collaborative safety councils ensuring consistent standards across companies.
This proactive stance ensures that poultry processing not only maintains its current achievements but also seeks further reductions in workplace risks.
Conclusion
The poultry broiler processing sector in 2026 stands out as a model of workplace safety, with injury and illness rates falling below all general industry benchmarks. Through sustained investment in technology, training, and worker health, the industry has transformed its safety record, achieving a historic 90% reduction since 1994. This achievement underscores poultry’s role as a leader in occupational safety and its ongoing commitment to protecting the workforce.
Sources:
2. Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities (2024).