CHILD LABOR LAW VIOLATIONS AT IOWA MEATPACKING PLANT
The Associated Press reported on September 9, 2008 that the owner and managers of AgriProcessors, the nation’s largest kosher meatpacking plant, were charged with more than 9,000 misdemeanors alleging child labor law violations. The charges allege that the plant hired minors and allowed children younger than 16 year-old to handle dangerous equipment such as circular saws, meat grinders and power shears.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that the meat and poultry industry has one of the highest rates of injury and illness of any industry. The most common injuries are cuts, strains, cumulative trauma, and injuries sustained from falls, but more serious injuries, such as fractures and amputation, frequently occur. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the injury and illness rate for the industry has declined from an estimated 29.5 injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers in 1992 to 14.7 in 2001. Injury and illness rates can be affected by many factors, such as the amount and quality of training, employee turnover rates, increased mechanization, and the speed of the production line.
Based on these statistics, a meatpacking plant is certainly not an appropriate environment for children, as employees or otherwise.
If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, please contact me at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.
