OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
September 23, 1997
Fred M. Reese
802 Whitehall Circle
Florence, South Carolina 29501
Dear Mr. Reese
The purpose of this letter is to respond to your letter to the Secretary of Labor dated August 7, 1997 regarding the need for a Department of Labor taskforce on the poultry industry. The Department of Labor has targeted the poultry industry for a joint effort to improve working conditions by the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This effort will include an outreach program to the industry where the Department explains its concerns with the working conditions of the employees and an enforcement based survey of the industry. The results of the survey will help the Department focus attention on problem issues and allow it to devise an appropriate strategy to address these issues.
Thank you for your expression of support of this initiative and concern for the working conditions affecting the employees of the poultry industry.
Sincerely
John B. Miles, Jr.
Director of Compliance Programs