Within the food processing industry, bakery and cracker manufacturing focuses on the production of baked goods like bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, pies, bagels, doughnuts, crackers and much more. This sector encompasses a range of activities, including ingredient mixing, dough preparation, baking, and packaging. Food processing industries, including bakery and cracker manufacturing, play a significant role in providing a wide variety of food products to consumers and contribute substantially to the global food supply chain.
Bakery workers face unique risks that distinguish them from workers in other manufacturing processes.
- The ever-present threat of flour dust, which can lead to respiratory issues like baker's asthma, sets bakery workers apart.
- The handling of allergenic ingredients, such as nuts or dairy, adds an additional layer of risk, as exposure can result in allergic reactions.
- The use of ovens and heated equipment heightens the potential for burns and heat-related injuries.
- Moreover, the manual handling of dough and finished products, combined with the repetitive nature of tasks like kneading and shaping, puts bakery workers at an elevated risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Workers’ Compensation Class code 2003 exclusively covers only those businesses engaged in the baking or frying of baked goods, cookies, crackers, and cooked or uncooked frozen items.
Workers’ Compensation is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being and safety of employees within these food production environments. In these settings, workers engage in a variety of tasks, from mixing and baking dough to packaging the final products. Due to the nature of the job, employees may be exposed to potential hazards such as hot ovens, heavy machinery, and repetitive motions.
- Workers’ Compensation for these industries is designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to employees who may suffer injuries or illnesses during the period of their work.
- This encompasses provisions for medical costs, rehabilitation, and a percentage of earnings lost.