February 2, 2021

 

US congressional panel investigating COVID-19 worker safety at three major meatpackers

A United States congressional panel is investigating possible COVID-19 worker safety violations at three large meatpacking companies after hundreds of workers in the industry died due to COVID-19, Reuters reported.

 

JBS USA, Smithfield Foods, and Tyson Foods have been asked by the US House of Representatives' coronavirus subcommittee to provide inspection records, complaints, and other internal documents for the investigation.

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also been asked to provide records of its measures to boost workers' safety.

 

In spring last year, many meat plants were forced to temporarily shut down after COVID-19 outbreaks were reported among workers, resulting in increased meat prices.

 

The National Academy of Sciences said communities surrounding meat plants were affected too, as meat plants are associated with about 236,000 COVID-19 cases and 5,200 deaths since July last year.

 

Industry workers and labour unions have accused major meatpacking companies of not protecting workers.

 

JBS, Smithfield Foods, and Tyson Foods said they have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars towards worker safety, bonuses, and other measures. The three companies said they will cooperate with investigations.

 

The Meat Institute trade group said COVID-19 case rates among meatpacking workers are five times lower in December when compared to May 2020.

 

James Clyburn, US Representative, and chairman of the coronavirus subcommittee, said OHSA's enforcement was ineffective, and that it is important the shortcomings of the previous administration are quickly identified and corrected to save lives as COVID-19 vaccinations become available.

 

OHSA said it has issued new guidelines with further stringent safety rules to employers last week as its first step towards working with Congress on worker protections.

 

- Reuters