SALISBURY, MD. — The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council, made up of members from the US Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation, recently awarded 160 chicken and turkey facilities for their safety standards.

“The awards are indicative of the progress made by the industry regarding the safety and health of its workers,” said Adrienne Allison, director of safety and health services for Poultry Operations at Tyson Foods, and chair of the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council.

The council based its awards on injury statistics from 2019 to 2021 and written applications by safety experts. After evaluating applicants, the council selected 29 facilities to receive its highest level of recognition, the “Award of Distinction.”

Fourth-generation food and agriculture company Perdue Farms received nine Awards of Distinction for its Concord, NC; Lewiston, NC; Rockingham, NC; Bridgewater, Va.; Monterey, Tenn., and Georgetown, Del., facilities.

“Workplace safety is an absolute at Perdue, including an unwavering commitment from management and an ongoing safety culture that engages all associates in maintaining a safe workplace environment,” said Randy Day, chief executive officer of Perdue Farms. “Each year, we set goals around people, products, planet and profitability, and we always put people first in that equation. We believe there’s nothing more important than creating a safe, supportive and healthy work environment where our associates can be successful and return safely to their families at the end of the workday.”