MARSHALL COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
A new report is now out by the Southern Poverty Law Center saying upcoming changes in the poultry industry will be bad for poultry workers and consumers.
Center officials feel line speeds are already too fast and that's causing problems for workers, which includes injuries.
According to the SPLC, regulations regarding chicken processing speeds will change in April.
Current limits are 140 birds per minute, but new regulations will allow that number to go up to 175 birds per minute.
SPLC officials said that is not good for workers.
A professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine said such work has been known to lead to carpel tunnel syndrome for those who stand there and do such repeated work.
The professor also said workers can also experience such injuries as lower back pain, skin disease, and respiratory problems.
In a statement from Wayne Farms, company officials said they continually strive for safer environments for their valuable employees.
Concerning workplace injuries, they go on to say they are rare but are most attributed to failure to follow prescribed procedures and safety guidelines.
But a cutback of some 800 inspectors is resulting in poultry companies being authorized to watch over poultry quality.
A lobbyist for food and water watch said that's not a good thing.
Tony Corbo believes it will result in missed defects on birds.
That, he said, is bad for you but good for the company.
Officials with Wayne Farms said their safety record speaks for itself. Adding intensive training allows employees to successfully and safely perform their jobs.
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According to the SPLC, regulations regarding chicken processing speeds will change in April.
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