A Michigan man has been sentenced to pay fines and costs after employing a minor to work at a meat processing company.
Darin Wilbur, of Saranac, was sentenced on Tuesday to pay $1,143 after he pleaded guilty in June to a charge of employing a minor in a dangerous position.
On Nov. 19, 2019, a 17-year-old employee had his right hand amputated by a meat grinder while working at US Guys Processing in Ionia County
“The minor was operating the meat grinder under the supervision of Wilbur, the owner of the company,” the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General said. “During the course of processing, the minor’s hand was pulled into the grinder.”
The Michigan Wage and Hour Division opened an investigation after receiving a referral about the injury.
The division determined the minor was illegally employed under the Youth Employment Standards Act.
Wilbur also did not ensure that the minor had obtained a work permit.
“Our labor laws were written to protect children from dangerous workplaces; however, they lack the teeth needed to properly hold bad employers accountable for violations,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
“This case highlights the need to strengthen these protections, as well as the consequences for violations, and I look forward to working with the legislature on this critical work to protect the state’s youth,” Nessel said.
Nessel said she encourages the Michigan Legislature to reevaluate the fines for employing minors without requisite permits, as well as the current statues and penalties for employing minors in hazardous occupations.
Source : Up North Live
