The program is open to National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association members with poultry or egg processing plants, further processing facilities, hatcheries, feed mills and rendering facilities that through the implementation of innovative and effective programs have injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years.

The poultry processing OSHA total recordable illness and injury rate for 2013 was 4.5 cases per 100 fulltime workers. Poultry processing’s 2013 rate represents an outstanding 80.2 percent improvement from 1994.

“The poultry industry relies on our workforce of dedicated employees to provide a wholesome and affordable food source for our nation and the rest of the world," said Mike Nations, corporate safety manager for Harrison Poultry and chair of the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council.

"That is why we are so heavily invested in processes and procedures to further reduce workplace hazards.

"The significant and consistent decline in illness and injury rates among our workforce over the past two decades is a direct result of the poultry industry’s strong commitment to worker safety."