In what is honestly one of my worst nightmares despite the fact that I don’t work at a meat processing factory, a New Jersey woman has died after falling into a meat processor during a work shift. Here’s what you need to know about this horrific story.
- The tragic accident happened on Friday, July 28. That’s when the employee at United Premium Foods in Woodbridge fell into one of the factory’s machines while it was turned on. Needless to say, she had no chance of survival.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into what went down and are hoping to be able to determine whether any workplace violations took place or if this truly was an unavoidable and unfortunate freak accident.
- UPF makes premium fresh pet food and human food and therefore has a “wide range of manufacturing equipment” on site. In addition to a 3000 pallet position freezer, Alkar ovens, and a blast chiller, they also have a protein injector, a “grinder, high-capacity blender, and bowl chopper.”
- The factory as a whole as well as its employees are well-versed in working with this equipment. “We are USDA and FDA certified for processing, storage, and distribution as well as GFSI via SQF 2000 Level Two certified,” the factory’s website states, adding that everyone who works there is “stable, highly skilled, and experienced.”
- Ken Mayer, CEO of United Premium Foods, expressed his remorse at the employee’s loss. “We are devastated by the loss of our longtime employee, who was a beloved member of our company. Our deepest condolences go out to her daughter at this difficult time,” he told CBS New York. “We are fully cooperating with the official investigation.”
- Thankfully, there were no other injuries reported. However, since the OSHA investigation, as well as an investigation by the Woodbridge Police Department, is still ongoing, the employee’s name has not been made public.
