Man Sues Deli Meat Company after Face Disfigured by Chemicals

A man whose face was reportedly disfigured by chemicals erupting from a drain at a South Holland meat plant is suing the company.

Jesus Mena filed a complaint May 27, citing the Homewood-based Carl Buddig and Co. In 2013, Mena was cleaning an oven at the plant at 50 W. Taft Drive in South Holland, when a “clogged drain exploded, dousing his face in chemicals,” reports the Cook County Record.

The suit alleges the company failed to train workers according to OSHA standards, and did not label chemicals in accordance with guidelines. Mena also claims the company did not provide materials in a language that workers could understand. It also cites the company’s alleged failure to provide safe chemicals to use; give warning of unsafe chemicals; provide a safe workplace, protection to workers and medical services; implement emergency procedures; provide an emergency eye washing station. The company also allegedly let chemicals accumulate in the drain in an unsafe manner and did not keep unsafe chemicals away from employees.

Mena is suing for pain and suffering, medical expenses, disfigurement, and lost time, earnings and normal life.

He is seeking damages and legal costs.

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