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OSHA Launches Six-Month Probe After Smithfield Worker Death

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 11:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Patou M. Mpinda, 44, died at Smithfield Foods’ Monmouth plant around 2:30 a.m. Monday.
About 100 employees walked out after management ordered production to continue.
OSHA opened a six-month investigation into the Monmouth incident.
Smithfield Foods said it is deeply saddened, offered prayers, and is cooperating with authorities.
The plant’s prior three deaths were linked to health issues, making this the fourth fatality.

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Story summary

Patou M. Mpinda, 44, died at Smithfield Foods’ Monmouth plant around 2:30 a.m. Monday.
About 100 employees walked out after management ordered production to continue.
OSHA opened a six-month investigation into the Monmouth incident.
Smithfield Foods said it is deeply saddened, offered prayers, and is cooperating with authorities.
The plant’s prior three deaths were linked to health issues, making this the fourth fatality.