500 signatures reached
To: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the U.S. Department of Labor
Hold Impact Plastics accountable for endangering workers during Hurricane Helene NOW!
Employees at Impact Plastics, located near the Nolichucky River in Erwin, Tennessee, have reported that management didn't let them leave and forced its employees to continue working even as flash flood warnings were issued, and rising waters threatened the facility. Only when floodwaters surged into the parking lot and the power went out did the company send employees home. By then, it was too late. 11 workers, left to fend for themselves, were caught in the deadly floodwaters.
The recent catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene has devastated communities, and it has become all too clear that the tragedy at Impact Plastics could have been avoided. Eleven workers were swept away by raging floodwaters, and only five were rescued. Three have been confirmed dead, with three others still missing. This tragedy was not just a natural disaster—it was a preventable human disaster.
Workers requested to evacuate earlier but were told to keep working. Jacob Ingram, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience of being swept away and clinging to debris to survive. Meanwhile, Impact Plastics has yet to issue a fatality report as required by law, and it wasn’t until after these events unfolded that they pledged cooperation with the investigation. Impact Plastics' negligence and disregard for their workers' safety led to a preventable loss of life. This cannot be ignored, we demand immediate action and accountability!
The recent catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene has devastated communities, and it has become all too clear that the tragedy at Impact Plastics could have been avoided. Eleven workers were swept away by raging floodwaters, and only five were rescued. Three have been confirmed dead, with three others still missing. This tragedy was not just a natural disaster—it was a preventable human disaster.
Workers requested to evacuate earlier but were told to keep working. Jacob Ingram, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience of being swept away and clinging to debris to survive. Meanwhile, Impact Plastics has yet to issue a fatality report as required by law, and it wasn’t until after these events unfolded that they pledged cooperation with the investigation. Impact Plastics' negligence and disregard for their workers' safety led to a preventable loss of life. This cannot be ignored, we demand immediate action and accountability!
Why is this important?
Workers deserve to be protected, not put in harm's way. No one should have to risk their life to earn a paycheck. This is about standing up for the rights and safety of workers everywhere and ensuring that companies like Impact Plastics are held accountable for their negligence. Sign this petition and join us in demanding justice for the victims and families affected by this tragedy, and calling for corporate accountability and safer workplaces for all. Together we can prevent another needless tragedy and ensure that worker safety is ALWAYS prioritized over profit.