Equipment Accident Kills Worker at JBS Meatpacking Plant

Officials said a 55-year-old man died during a March 27 incident at the meat processing firm’s facility in Greeley, CO.

John S. Forrester, former Managing Editor

April 6, 2021

1 Min Read
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Representative imageImage courtesy of Pixabay

A worker was fatally injured on March 27 the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, CO after his head was struck by a piece of a machine, a spokesperson for a union representing some of the facility’s staff told local news organizations.

Emergency personnel were sent to the plant at about 10:30 a.m. and determined that a worker fell upon arrival, fire officials said in a report by KDVR. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 1 said in the Fox News affiliate’s coverage that the worker was hit by equipment while he was above a pool of water.

The injured person was transported to an area hospital.

“We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts and prayers are with our team member, his family, co-workers, and friends,” JBS said in a statement to the Greeley Tribune following the incident.

Several days after the incident, the Weld County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased worker as Jonathan Bryan Duerst, 55, of Greeley, according to a local radio station. An investigation into the cause of his death remains ongoing.

A review of records on the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website shows that a case was opened at JBS’ Greeley plant on March 29.

Last month, police were called to the Koch Foods poultry processing plant in Montgomery, AL following an industrial accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old employee.

About the Author

John S. Forrester

former Managing Editor, Powder & Bulk Solids

John S. Forrester is the former managing editor of Powder & Bulk Solids.

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