The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued specific advice to meat factories in how to deal with outbreaks of COVID-19. There has been growing consternation over the outbreak of cases in meat factories, with specific concern for the welfare for workers – many of whom are from outside Ireland.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued specific advice to meat factories in how to deal with outbreaks of COVID-19.
There has been growing consternation over the outbreak of cases in meat factories, with specific concern for the welfare for workers – many of whom are from outside Ireland.
Since 2018, the Department of Business has awarded 2,500 permits for meat operatives and 300 permits for boners outside the EU to the meat industry (almost all of these have been filled).
The average wage for a meat operative is €22,000/year, while boners are paid slightly more at roughly €27,500/year.
Data shows that the number of work permits doubled in the first three months this year – going from 205 to 445. The highest proportion of permits went to Liffey Meats, ABP and Dawn Meats. The majority of permits were for Brazilian workers.
HSE advice
In detailed advice seen by the Irish Farmers Journal, the HSE repeatedly calls for factories to have posters and advice shown throughout their facilities in various languages.
Its advice also outlines that workers who test positive or display symptoms should isolate for 14 days with the possibility that this timeline be increased to 28 days if people are cohabiting with family or friends who have the virus.
It asks factories to inform workers of their rights in regard to pandemic financial supports and that a self-isolation facility is available free of charge in City West Hotel for those who would have difficulty self-isolating in their homes.
The issue of workers living together has been raised and the HSE says that factories should know, where possible, where workers live together to allow for contact tracing.
Temporary closures
Clusters in meat factories have increased from just six to 15 in recent weeks, with Dawn temporarily closing its Kilbeggan site after an outbreak.
Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin and Migrant Ireland have called for temporary closures to allow for the cleaning of factories if necessary.
In the event of an “extensive outbreak” among staff that could lead to community transmission, the HSE says that temporary closure of a meat plant should be considered, but only when a “clear agreed criteria for reopening” has been decided.
Additional reporting by Barry Cassidy.
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