A 16-year-old, identified as Duvan Robert Tomas Pérez, tragically lost his life in a workplace accident, as per a report by Law and Crime published on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
The incident occurred on July 14 at Mar-Jac Poultry in Hattiesburg, where Pérez was pulled into a machine while cleaning in the deboning area. This prompted a federal child labor investigation and a subsequent lawsuit filed by his family.
According to the lawsuit, Pérez was cleaning near a rotating shaft and sprockets when he got entangled and drawn into the machinery, resulting in fatal injuries.
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The lawsuit targets Mar-Jac Poultry, contractor Ōnin Staffing, the human resources director, and an on-duty safety supervisor, seeking compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, future earnings, and emotional distress.
Jim Reeves, the family attorney, condemned the incident, citing the lack of safety measures at the facility and emphasizing the urgent need for improved working conditions to prevent similar tragedies.
Mar-Jac and Ōnin Staffing have denied responsibility, with Mar-Jac stating reliance on the staffing agency to ensure workers’ proper age and qualifications.
However, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation uncovered serious safety protocol lapses, including the failure to implement lockout/tagout procedures to disconnect power to the machine during cleaning.
OSHA cited Mar-Jac for multiple violations and proposed significant penalties, revealing a history of safety infractions dating back to 2000.
Pérez’s death marked the third worker fatality at the Mar-Jac plant in less than three years, highlighting a concerning pattern of disregard for employee safety.
The tragic loss has left Pérez’s family and community devastated. Pérez, described as hard-working and ambitious, was preparing to enter the ninth grade and had recently purchased his own car, reflecting his determination and independence.
While mourning Pérez’s untimely passing, his loved ones advocate for accountability and justice.
OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer stressed the importance of preventing similar tragedies in the future, emphasizing that no worker, especially a child, should be subjected to preventable danger.
In Pérez’s memory, his family cherishes the moments spent together and celebrates his accomplishments.
