The unidentified man and other workers were using steam and water to move rendered material down a 24-inch pipe, when the pipe became clogged. “A pipe cap was removed so that a worker could free the blockage when steam and water was released from the opening, causing severe burns to the worker,” said Brookes Merritt, public affairs officer with the provincial Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.
The worker was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the burn unit at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. Merritt said the ministry issued at stop-work order for the rendering plant.
“Out of respect for our team member and his family, the company will not provide further comment at this time,” said Misty Barnes, a spokeswoman for parent company JBS USA in Greeley, Colo.
Barnes said that company officers called emergency teams immediately. The unidentified man has worked for the company for more than 19 years.
