TUCKER, GA. — The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council announced that 170 chicken and turkey facilities were recognized for “exceptional” safety performance at the National Safety Conference in Destin, Fla., Aug. 14 – 16.

Safety awards are given based on injury and illness statistics over three years (2020 – 2023) and an evaluation of written applications. The judges look at facilities’ implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

At the conference, 23 facilities received the Award of Distinction, the highest level of recognition. This award honors facilities for strong safety and health training and that have incurred incident rates below the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) results by 75% or more.

Furthermore, 91 facilities received the Award of Honor, which is based on the same qualifications as the Award of Distinction except with incident rates between 75% – 50% under the BLS results. Fifty-six facilities received the Award of Merit for incurring injury and illness rates between 50% and equal to the BLS results.

“Congratulations to these facilities!” said Adrienne Allison, senior director technical safety, regulatory and compliance for Tyson Foods, and chair of the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. “The awards are representative of the advancements made by the industry regarding the safety and health of its workers.”

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council consists of members from the US Poultry & Egg Association, the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation. Together, the organizations represent companies that produce 95% of all US poultry products.