The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has started inspecting a number of workplaces, including meat factories this week. There has been a jump in the number of factory workers testing positive for COVID-19 and strong criticism was targeted at the authority, particularly by SIPTU and Migrants Ireland, after it came to light that up to this week, the authority had not conducted any inspections of meat plants.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has started inspecting a number of workplaces, including meat factories this week.
There has been a jump in the number of factory workers testing positive for COVID-19 and strong criticism was targeted at the authority, particularly by SIPTU and Migrants Ireland, after it came to light that up to this week, the authority had not conducted any inspections of meat plants.
HSA CEO Dr Sharon McGuinness said this was due to the HSE taking the lead in controlling outbreaks in meat plants to prevent a spread of the virus to communities.
Deep concern
“We were deeply concerned to hear your testimony at yesterday’s hearing to the Oireachtas Committee on COVID-19 that despite reports received by the HSA, no inspections have been carried out in the meat factories,” SIPTU and Migrants Ireland wrote in an open letter to the authority.
“We have been approached by our members and workers from various meat factories who feel that their safety at work has not been prioritised by their employers during this crisis.”
Some 280 complaints were received in regard to workplaces and COVID-19. The complaints included concerns raised about meat plants.
“A number of complaints have been received in relation to processing plants and these are being responded to as appropriate,” the HSA told the Irish Farmers Journal.
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