Injuries:
Injuries Types of injuries:
Lacerations
Stabbing
Amputation
Decapitation
Hazardous chemical fumes
Tendonitis
Cumulative trauma disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Back, neck, shoulder problems
Cleaning crews:
Cleaning crews The most dangerous job throughout the entire factory process.
The most used tool is the high pressure hose that shoots a mix of water and chlorine heated to 180 degrees
Creates a fog which in return leaves about 5 feet visibility
In order to clean properly the factory machines must remain running, “…and workers ride them as if they were moving sidewalks”. (Schlosser pg. 177).
An example of a cleaning incident was when a man by the name of Homer Sull climbed into blood collection tank. He was over come by hydrogen sulfide fumes. 2 coworkers climb into the tank to rescue him and died as well. For each man the company was fined $480
Hydrogen Sulfide:
Hydrogen Sulfide H2S is like a pop can shaken up.
When H2S builds up it explodes like a pop can.
Effects:
Burns
Diseases in respiratory system
Bronchitis
Cancer
Morbidity in Peripheral Nervous System
Disorders in Central Nervous System
Severe Death
Supervisors :
Supervisors The supervisors are given bonuses for keeping the rate of injuries down within their factories as well as keeping production line fast
Supervisors controlled all injury logs.
There are also cases of inappropriate fraternizing between supervisors and female employees
Supervisors are usually in their mid 20’s to early 30’s
“They’re [supervisors] trying to deter you, period, from going to the doctor” (Schlosser 175).
OSHA:
OSHA When OSHA began its inspections it was under funded and under staffed.
Inspections came about once every 80 years for major corporations.
For slaughterhouses, IF OSHA showed up they were required to look at the companies injury log before going into the actual building. If the injury log was lower than national average, than OSHA could not do an inspection (supervisors of the company controlled injury log books).
In the 1990’s the OSHA inspections had reached an all time low.
“OSHA Reform Act” says it forbids OSHA from conducting any workplace inspections or imposing fines.
Bibliography:
Bibliography Archives of Environmental Health. 1 Apr. 2005.http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0907/is_5_57/ai_98753141
Schlosser, Eric Fast Food Nation