Worker killed in accident at Bush Brothers
By Steve Marion – Staff Writer
April 24, 2018
Chestnut Hill, TN
A temporary worker was killed in an accident yesterday morning at the Bush Brothers cannery in Chestnut Hill, Sheriff Bud McCoig reported.
Shannon Smith, 40, of 211 Sullivan Point, Dandridge, died in the accident involving a lift used to hoist heavy pallets of canned goods, the sheriff said his deputies’ reports indicate.
Smith had been working at the plant (3304 Chestnut Hill Road) for about six months through a temporary agency, he said.
Deputies and paramedics with the Jefferson County Emergency Medical Service responded at 4:30 a.m. The victim apparently died instantly in the accident. Medical Examiner Dr. Mark Holland ordered an autopsy.
According to deputies’ reports, Smith was cleaning in the area of the machine when she accidentally set off a sensor that caused it to lift, wedging her between the machine and a metal post.
Detective Sgt. Pam Taylor was assigned to investigate further.
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Worker dies at Bush Brothers plant
By Ray Snader, Tribune Correspondent
Apr 24, 2018 Updated 15 hrs ago
A woman was killed in an in apparent workplace accident at the Bush Brothers’ plant in Chestnut Hill on Monday, according to Jefferson County Sheriff G.W. “Bud” McCoig.
The sheriff said the victim, Shannon Smith, 47, was caught in a piece of equipment at 4:30 a.m. and died at the scene.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm that an individual died in an accident at the Chestnut Hill plant this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this worker during this time of grieving,” Bill Seale, vice president at Bush Brothers said in a Monday statement.
The plant is closed today and counselors will be available when employees return to work.
Several weeks ago, another employee was injured at the plant in a work-related accident and was flown to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville. At the time company officials did not return phone calls seeking comment on the incident. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the Monday death.