Unsafe Child Safety Fines

Packers Sanitation Services Inc. has paid over $1.5 million in civil money penalties after employing minors in hazardous environments at 13 meat processing facilities in eight states.

One of the facilities was in Friona, who employed one minor at Cargill Inc, and was fined $15,138.

A federal Investigation by the Department of Labor found the company employed at least 102 children – from 13 to 17 years of age, in hazardous facilities and had them working overnight shifts.

The division found that children were working with hazardous chemicals and cleaning meat processing equipment including sharp saws, and other high-risk equipment. Investigators learned at least three minors suffered injuries while working for PSSI at their Cargill Division in Friona.