A new 2024 investigation into Pitman Family Farms reveals extremely hazardous working conditions at its poultry processing plant in Sanger, California. According to the article published by The Fresno Bee, the primarily immigrant workforce endures long hours in an environment rife with dangers such as loud noise, poor ventilation, sharp tools, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, the lack of proper training on industrial equipment only compounds these risks.
Numerous injuries and fatalities at the Sanger plant reported over the past decade
The report lists numerous serious and catastrophic injuries among workers at the plant. One worker suffered a hand amputation in a meat grinder when another employee mistakenly turned it on while her hand was inside. Another suffered serious head trauma, requiring multiple surgeries, after being struck by a tool during a machine repair. Chronic injuries like arthritis and tendonitis from repetitive tasks, such as hanging 30-pound live birds, have also been reported.
One worker who worked at the plant for 2 years in the mid-2010s told reporters, “It was the most brutal work I’ve ever done.”
According to multiple workers who were interviewed for the investigation, training is often limited to verbal instruction or short videos, leaving employees unprepared to safely handle sharp tools or heavy machinery. As one former worker put it, “They say they give you training, but it’s not true.”
Tragically, 3 workers have lost their lives at Pitman Family Farms, including 66-year-old Jesus Salazar, who drowned in a waste pit filled with chicken byproducts while working overtime to save for a family vacation. Salazar, described by coworkers as a kind and generous man who loved mariachi music and often shared his lunch with others, met a horrific end in an environment riddled with hazards.
The waste pit, a rectangular structure measuring 14 feet wide, 18 feet long, and up to 25 feet deep—deeper than most swimming pools—contained a mix of chicken feathers, bones, fat, and waste.
Police photos taken after Salazar’s death revealed a catwalk around the pit coated in a slippery layer of feathers and fat, with one side lacking a protective railing. Even first responders hesitated to approach the pit, citing the extreme risk of falling due to the treacherous mixture of animal byproducts and water.
Is anything being done to protect workers at the Pitman Family Farms plant?
Pitman Family Farms has faced increased scrutiny for workplace safety violations in recent years. Between 2017 and 2022, the company self-reported over 400 injuries and was fined over $140,000 for violating 50 safety regulations. Investigations revealed that inadequate training and unsafe conditions caused many accidents.
The Fresno Bee investigation found that the company often appeals citations, negotiating lower fines without admitting fault. For Salazar’s death, they have so far contested the $56,250 in fines that were issued.
Former employee Karina Torres criticized the penalties as insufficient, saying that the fine shows “[h]ow little his life was worth” to the company.
The company’s emphasis on humane animal treatment, while neglecting worker safety, creates a disconnect and leaves workers feeling undervalued and disregarded, especially after the numerous injuries and fatalities that have been reported at the plant.
Workers report being pressured to skip breaks, work overtime, and endure strict rules like logging bathroom use. Despite these conditions, many stay for the $18 hourly wage, a higher wage than what local agricultural jobs offer.
The investigation also highlights that Pitman’s troubling injury rates exceed those of other large regional plants. Pitman has not substantively responded to allegations, and multiple requests for comment have been declined.
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How common are injuries at processing plants in the U.S.?
Workers in U.S. processing plants experience nonfatal injury and illness rates that are often higher than the national average for all private industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, the injury rate for workers in poultry processing was approximately 5.7 cases per 100 full-time workers, compared to the private industry average of only 3.0 cases per 100 workers.
Common injuries for poultry plant workers include amputations, lacerations, burns, respiratory issues, and fractures. Overexertion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain are also widespread due to repetitive motions and prolonged physical exertion.
While fatalities are far less common than nonfatal injuries, they still occur. In 2021, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the animal slaughtering and processing industry reported 26 fatal injuries, including in poultry processing, which reported 14 fatalities that year.
Efforts to improve worker safety continue, but challenges such as language barriers, high turnover, and the prioritization of production speed over safety persist, making injuries in processing plants an ongoing concern.
Who can get workers’ comp after a poultry processing injury in Georgia?
Most workers injured on the job in Georgia, including those in poultry processing, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits cover medical expenses, wage replacement, and permanent disability while also providing families with death benefits when a worker dies from an injury.
To qualify for workers’ comp, the injury must have occurred while performing job duties, and the employer must have workers’ compensation insurance, which is required for most businesses with 3 or more employees.
Please note that immigration status does not affect eligibility for workers’ comp. Both documented and undocumented workers are entitled to benefits, and employers cannot deny claims or retaliate based on immigration status.
Injured workers must report their injuries to their employer within 30 days and seek care from an approved provider. Consulting a local Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure fair treatment, especially for those facing language or cultural barriers.
Were you injured at a poultry processing plant in Georgia? We can help!
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a poultry processing accident or any other work-related accident in Georgia, contact the skilled Atlanta work injury attorneys at Gerber & Holder.
With over 75 years of combined experience, our attorneys have helped workers across Georgia recover maximum compensation after serious work injuries and fatalities. Don’t let an insurance company add insult to injury with a lowball settlement offer. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve so you can start rebuilding your life.
Contact Gerber & Holder Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options.
References
Montalvo, M. (2024, February 8). Pitman Farms, maker of “humane” Mary’s Chicken brand, among most dangerous for workers. Fresno Bee. https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article284641660.html
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, November 8). TABLE 1. Incidence rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry and case types, 2022. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/iif/nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-tables/table-1-injury-and-illness-rates-by-industry-2022-national.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, December 16). TABLE A-1. Fatal occupational injuries by industry and event or exposure, all United States, 2021. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/iif/fatal-injuries-tables/fatal-occupational-injuries-table-a-1-2021.htm
