JBS fined $45K for Greeley meatpacking plant death

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found JBS USA responsible for the death of a man who was caught in a conveyer belt system at the company’s Greeley meatpacking plant.

The Greeley Tribune reports OSHA cited the company twice for workplace violations that put the employee in danger – one being a repeat safety offense – and has fined the company $45,500.

Investigators say 54-year-old Ralph Horner was working near an unguarded and vulnerable area on the conveyor belt when his hair was caught, dragging him into the system June 10.

JBS was fined $38,500 for not having appropriate guards on plant equipment and $7,000 for not properly controlling energy sources on machinery during maintenance.

JBS says it will work with the government to resolve any concerns.