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Characteristics and Cost Analysis of Injuries & Illnesses in Poultry Processing Operations in Louisiana

Public Administration Institute, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; Phone: (504) 388-1075; FAX: (504) 334-1719

Brian D. Marx

Department of Experimental Statistics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

A. James Farr

Department of Poultry Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Frederick E. Sistler

Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

F. Aghazadeh

Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Correspondence: John C. Pine

In this report, compensable cases of worker injury reported to the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation have been analyzed for the poultry processing operations for the period 1985 to 1992. The number of employees has steadily increased over the years (1,196 in 1985 and 1,928 in 1990). The incidence rates (per 100 full time employees per year), however, did not reveal an increasing trend, but was highest in 1987 (3.25), followed by 3.11 in 1990. Forty-one percent of the compensable cases were workers employed less than one year on the job. Sprains and strains accounted for the largest percentage of cases (41%) and the average total cost per case was $14,700. Among these sprain and strain injuries, the back was the most frequently affected body part (66%). During the period there was a notable increase in the incidence of cumulative trauma disorders, known as CTDs (4% in 1987, 20% in 1991, and 13% in 1992). More than one third (36%) of all cases occurred to the upper extremities alone. On an average, back and head injuries cost the industry $24,900 and $18,900, respectively. All working surface injuries averaged $28,000, while falls resulted in an average of $25,900. A relationship between workers' compensation costs and lost workdays has been determined.

Key Words: Lost workdays • occupational injuries • poultry processing • trends • workers' compensation