Chapter 8

What kinds of injuries do workers in meatpacking plants typically suffer?

In meatpacking plants, workers suffer all kinds of injuries from small cuts to severe problems. Cuts are the most common because workers through out the day keep cutting meat non-stop. Shoulder and back problems are also common in meatpacking plants. The workers would be bending over the tables to cut the meat through out the day so they start to have issues with their back. The author also states that workers would get something known as "trigger finger". It's when their finger is frozen and can't be moved. Workers would also get carpal tunnel syndrome.


What does the author describe as the most dangerous type of work in these plants and what kinds of injuries do these workers risk?

The author states that the most dangerous type of work in these plants is the work that the late night cleaning crew does. After everyone leaves the plant, they come in and clean after the workers. They would use high pressure hose with extremely hot water to clean machines that are covered in blood and animal parts. While hosing down disgusting blood and animal parts, the factory would become foggy so visibility is poor. The worst part about this job is cleaning the conveyor belts. The crew would stand on these belts that are high above the ground and moving,and would clean them. The injuries that these workers risk are falling off the machines and braking something or possibly dying. Also, if it's foggy inside the plant, they might not see and run into something.