Worker Dies after Accident at Greeley JBS Plant

The JBS plant located in Greeley, Colorado, has seen its fair share of media attention throughout 2020 and 2021, and unfortunately, the factory has come into the spotlight again, this time for the death of one of its employees.

According to the 9News, firefighters arrived at the meatpacking plant yesterday (March 27) after receiving reports that one of the organization’s workers had fallen. Once at the scene, they found that the man’s coworkers had removed him from the factory and taken him somewhere safe to receive medical treatment.

However, medical authorities at the plant deemed that the injured man needed more serious attention and moved him to the North Colorado Medical Center, where a JBS spokesperson confirmed that he passed away.

"We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts and prayers are with our team member, his family, co-workers and friends," said the same spokesperson, also reporting that the company will be working with local authorities to investigate the incident.

However, business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Ted Herrara has also said the organization will be holding its own inquiry in the man’s death.

The meatpacking industry is a dangerous one, and especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic, where factory conditions make it difficult for workers to socially distance during their long shifts. JBS suffered one of the worst COVID outbreaks in the state, leading to the deaths of  six people and a fine for the company’s handling of the pandemic.

But even with the company working to vaccinate its members, as we mentioned in our story detailing the organization’s vaccine drive, the meatpacking industry continues to be a high-risk job, especially to workers on the floor.

Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased as they go through this difficult time.