The work is monotonous and the chances of getting out are slim. Only a handful can rise to the better-paying supervisory ranks. A growing percentage are Hispanic who fear they will loose their jobs if they make trouble. It is a situation ripe for exploitation. The industry itself is very competitive and profit margins are low.
Injuries often go unreported.
There is intense pressure under report or not report injuries at all. Injured workers in some states must go to a company doctor, himself disinclined to make reports that make the company look bad. This in itself restricts opportunities for claims. Many fear the hard labor in the plants have them on a treadmill to nowhere. Those in their thirties have acquired callouses and injuries.