USDA Okays Faster Production Lines

Stating that “as extensive research has confirmed no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries,” US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has moved to allow faster production on pork and poultry production lines.
The March 17 directive moves to “eliminate outdated administrative requirements that have slowed production and added unnecessary costs for American producers.”
The agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will extend waivers allowing pork and poultry facilities to maintain higher line speeds, “ensuring they can meet demand without excessive government interference,” according to a USDA statement.
As well, FSIS will no longer require plants to submit redundant worker safety data.
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Wyoming’s state Health Department has introduced a series of videos designed to spur heavy industry workplace safety discussion on mental health and substance use.
“Heavy industry workplaces have higher rates of substance use and suicide than other industries,” the Health department said. “These topics are crucial for safety and productivity at work, but talking about them can be stigmatized or feared for consequences.”
The videos, on both the state website and YouTube, cover topics ranging from kratom, alcohol and opioid use at work, to coping and resilience skills.
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The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published the latest installment of its corporate safety insight report that highlights three linked themes that shape workplace safety.
The report cites the importance of aligning safety with business strategy, and connecting risk management to corporate results.
A second theme is on the shifting labor market, and the underlying issues of workforce instability and retention.
The report’s third theme using safety to competitive business advantage.
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