Journal-based CME Course: Do Clinics in Meat and Poultry Plants Endanger Workers?

Activity ID

10966

Expires

April 1, 2026

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

Fee

$30

CME Provider: AMA Journal of Ethics

Description of CME Course

Most meatpacking workers are Black, Latinx, and immigrant workers earning low wages and at high risk for occupational injury. Most meat and poultry plants have on-site workplace clinics (OWCs) where workers are required to obtain care for work-related injuries or illnesses before seeking outside clinical assessment or intervention. Although OWCs can help plant managers identify and mitigate hazards, government and other investigations reveal that OWCs in meatpacking plants not only fail to advocate for safer work conditions, but also nurture conditions that exacerbate injury and illness. This article explores ethical challenges for health care professionals in OWCs, including companies’ pressure to keep so-called “recordable” injuries low. This article also suggests changes to support OWCs’ roles in safety and injury prevention.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

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More Information

Commercial Support?

NOTE: If a Member Board has not deemed this activity for MOC approval as an accredited CME activity, this activity may count toward an ABMS Member Board’s general CME requirement. Please refer directly to your Member Board’s MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Program Requirements.

General Information on CME Activity

Educational Objectives

1. Explain a new or unfamiliar viewpoint on a topic of ethical or professional conduct
2. Evaluate the usefulness of this information for health care practice, teaching, or conduct
3. Decide whether and when to apply the new information to health care practice, teaching, or conduct

Keywords

Ethics, Diet, Lifestyle Behaviors, Public Health, Occupational Health

Competencies

Medical Knowledge, Professionalism

CME Credit Type

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

DOI

10.1001/amajethics.2023.278