Workers involved in the meat and poultry processing industries are likely to suffer more serious on-the-job injuries than other private sector workers.

OSHA launched a Regional Emphasis Program in Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri focused on reducing musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic stressors in the poultry processing industry. The agency has also launched a Local Emphasis Program for Nebraska’s meat processing industry. Education and enforcement efforts will focus on common industry hazards such as repetitive motion injuries, machine guarding, control of hazardous energy and process safety management. Both emphasis programs are scheduled to end Sept. 30, 2016.

Regional and local emphasis programs are enforcement strategies designed to address high-risk industries.