Kerry Leedom Larson National Pork Board

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Being prepared for an OSHA inspection includes keeping records and worker training up-to-date. Although pork producers are not mandated to comply with the entire OSHA General Industry Standard, remember that the OSHA General Duty Clause can always be used to cite producers for any unsafe act or condition. For detailed information about what to expect during an OSHA inspection, refer to PIG factsheet 16-01-05 (to view factsheet, registration is required at http://www.porkgateway.org).

Publish Date: April 17, 2012

Confusion is common when it comes to OSHA and the agricultural industry. Who is regulated, and why? What standards and rules do pork producers need to follow? The first step in achieving compliance is to become educated about OSHA. For more information on any topic below, visit the OSHA Web site (www.osha.gov).

Publish Date: April 9, 2012

Zoonoses are diseases transmissible between animals and humans. Zoonoses can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In each stage of pork production, there are different potential zoonoses that workers should be aware of. Although most exposures do not result in disease, it is important to educate yourself on the risks involved in working with swine.

Publish Date: April 5, 2012

Euthanasia is the humane process whereby the pig is rendered insensible, with minimal pain and distress, until death. Euthanizing agents cause death by three basic mechanisms: (1) hypoxia (lack of oxygen), direct or indirect; (2) direct depression of nerve cells in the brain necessary for life function; and (3) physical disruption of brain activity and destruction of nerve cells necessary for life.

Publish Date: April 5, 2012

Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Swine pathogens are NOT defined as BBP – even those that are zoonotic (can be transmitted to humans). Pork producers are not required to comply with OSHA Bloodborne pathogens standard (also known as 1910.1030). However, pork producers should be aware of BBP because workers may be exposed to human blood or in the event of an injury.

Publish Date: April 19, 2012

Injury to workers and animals can occur with all ages and developmental stages of pigs and during moving, loading or unloading, and processing. Strategies to prevent injuries are reviewed below. Situations and facilities vary and this list is not meant to be inclusive of all prevention and control strategies, but is meant to help stimulate the problem-solving process for producers.

Publish Date: April 9, 2012

Needlestick injuries can occur when injecting pigs with animal health products. If the pig suddenly jumps or moves, a worker could accidentally be stuck by the needle. Needlestick injuries have also occurred when workers have carried syringes loaded with medication in their pockets. Needlestick injuries should be considered serious as their effect on humans can vary greatly depending on the type of drug injected.

Publish Date: April 13, 2012

Despite your best intentions to prevent occupational safety and health problems, there will be times when unexpected events occur. Because accidents are inevitable, it’s critical that hog production facility employees familiarize themselves with the key emergency situation practices at the facility. An emergency action plan will tell you who to call, what to say and what steps to follow in an emergency.

Publish Date: April 13, 2012

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a vitally important line of defense against hazards. You need to provide the PPE your employees may need to guard them against hazards on the job.

Publish Date: April 9, 2012

Back injuries can be painful, costly, and often cause workers disabilities and lifelong problems. In many industries and in many pork operations, back injuries account for the largest amount of lost-time and economic losses from injury. Ultimately, producers pay for these costs in the form of lost work time by productive employees or through workers compensation insurance costs. Back and other lifting-related injuries can result from lifting heavy bags of feed, carrying dead animals, moving feeders and gates for cleaning, or moving power washers from building to building.