In the wake of the government’s crackdown on child labor laws in processing plants, U.S. Guys Processing’s owner has pleded guilty in a case involving a 17-year-old who lost a hand while working at a plant in Ionia County, Michigan.
In November 2019, the 17-year-old employee had his right hand amputated after it was damaged while using a meat grinder. According to reports, the minor was working under the supervision of Darin Wilbur. The supervision wasn’t enough to prevent injury — and the illegally employed minor worker’s hand was pulled into the meat grinder.
Wilber, 55, of Saranac, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to one count of employing a minor in a dangerous profession, due to the injury and circumstances.
While minors can work in meat plants, they cannot be involved in hazardous work, and in Michigan, workers under 18 must secure a work permit.
The Michigan Wage and Hour Division received the original referral about the severe injury to the minor. It determined he was illegally hired under the Youth Employment Standards Act. The division’s findings were submitted to the Department of Attorney General to pursue criminal charges.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessen is encouraging the legislature to re-evaluate the fines for employing minors without the requisite permits, and the current statutes and penalties surrounding employing minors in hazardous occupations — currently a misdemeanor.
“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 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.”
The judge has ordered a pre-sentencing investigation before sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
