The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis is launching an investigation into the widespread coronavirus infections and deaths in meatpacking plants.
The subcommittee has sent a letter to JBS USA, Tyson Foods, and Smithfield Foods requesting documentation on the COVID-19 infections and deaths at their facilities. The panel also asked for information about employee complaints or concerns around the virus and plant inspections by federal or state officials.
Another letter was sent to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, asking for a list of COVID-related complaints it had received in connection with meatpacking and meat processing facilities, as well as on-site inspections the agency has performed, and documents relating to inspections, enforcement actions, citations, or fines.
"Public reports indicate that under the Trump Administration, OSHA failed to adequately carry out its responsibility for enforcing worker safety laws at meatpacking plants across the country, resulting in preventable infections and deaths,” said Rep. James E. Clyburn, chairman of the subcommittee, in the letter to OSHA. “It is imperative that the previous Administration’s shortcomings are swiftly identified and rectified to save lives in the months before coronavirus vaccinations are available for all Americans.”
Related: Smithfield Foods Prepares to Vaccinate Workers; Judge Rules Tyson Foods is Liable for Employee Death.