ATLANTA, GA – During the last 25 years, musculoskeletal disorders (M.S.D.s) in the poultry industry have declined 75%. So states a recently released study that chronicles the progress and successes the U.S. poultry industry has experienced in ergonomics and subsequent decrease in workers’ musculoskeletal disorders, relays the National Turkey Federation (N.T.F.).

Titled “Ergonomics in the Poultry Industry: A Review of 25 Years of Industry Efforts,” the paper unveils the results of a study commissioned by the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. It describes the industry’s efforts in the prevention and early treatment of M.S.D.s. It also discusses how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.) has focused attention on the poultry industry and the positive results from O.S.H.A. and the industry working together.

“During the 25 years this study reviewed, the poultry industry has been a leader in reducing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace,” said Brian Rodgers, council chairman and director of safety and risk management for Butterball LLC. “And although it is an ongoing effort, we can be proud of the industry’s progress. It can serve as a model for other industries that are facing the same challenges.”

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council consists of members from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation. Collectively, the member companies of the three organizations produce 95% of the nation’s poultry products and employ hundreds of thousands of workers.

To read the study, visit http://www.poultryegg.org/files/ergojan2010.pdf.