A devastating child labor tragedy struck the Mar-Jac Poultry plant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as a 16-year-old boy from Guatemala lost his life in an on-the-job accident.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on July 14, has prompted investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. Working in a poultry plant is considered too dangerous for individuals under the age of 18, making this a clear violation of child labor laws.
Tragic Accident Claims Teen Guatemalan Worker's Life
According to WCTV, the victim, identified as Duvan Tomas Perez, was a hardworking 16-year-old who had migrated from the town of Huispache to the United States about six years ago. On that fateful evening, tragedy struck as Perez suffered a fatal accident involving equipment at the Mar-Jac Poultry plant.
Lisa Klem, the Forrest County deputy coroner, confirmed that the young boy's life was cut short due to the severity of the incident.His death marks the second time in two years that a worker at the same plant has succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident.
Ongoing Investigations Raise Concerns about Safety Record
In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, both OSHA and the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division have launched thorough investigations to determine the circumstances that led to the young boy's death.
As per NBC News, if any safety violations or negligence on the part of Mar-Jac Poultry plant are discovered, the company could face substantial federal fines exceeding $30,000 per incident. Records from OSHA reveal that this is not the first time Mar-Jac has faced scrutiny for its safety practices.
In May 2021, an employee lost his life after becoming partially trapped under a machine. OSHA had imposed a fine of $27,306 on the company for this incident, but Mar-Jac contested the citation, resulting in an ongoing legal battle.
Debbie Berkowitz, a former OSHA official, highlighted the company's troubling safety record and alleged attempts to prevent thorough inspections after previous serious accidents.
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Biden Administration's Focus on Child Labor Violations
The tragic death of the young Guatemalan worker at Mar-Jac Poultry plant comes amid heightened attention from the Biden administration on child labor violations involving migrants.
Reports suggest that federal investigations are expanding to include meatpacking and produce firms across 11 states for allegedly hiring underage migrants in violation of child labor laws.
In response to the incident, according to Daily News, Joe Colee, the manager of the Mar-Jac facility, expressed deep remorse and emphasized the company's commitment to prioritizing employee safety.
Colee assured full cooperation with the ongoing investigations and pledged to address any issues identified promptly. The tragic loss of a 16-year-old boy's life at the Mar-Jac Poultry plant in Mississippi serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of enforcing child labor laws and ensuring the safety of young workers.
Investigations by OSHA and the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division are crucial steps towards understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident and holding accountable those responsible for any violations.
In light of the broader concerns about child labor violations, it is imperative for both government agencies and employers to take proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable workers, including migrants.
The Biden administration's efforts to address this issue underscore the significance of protecting the rights and well being of young workers, regardless of their background or origin. Such tragedies should serve as catalysts for collective action towards fostering safer workplaces and preventing similar heartbreak in the future.
