SIPTU representatives have called for the mandatory temperature testing and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers in meat and dairy processing plants following the confirmation of clusters of Covid-19 infections in a number of facilities. SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “In recent weeks we have been raising concerns about Covid-19 related health and safety at meat processing plants. Unfortunately, our fears have now been realised with numerous clusters within plants confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed. “While we acknowledge the employers, who in consultation with SIPTU have ensured that best practices standards have been implemented, we are calling for the mandatory temperature testing of all workers within the entire meat and dairy industry. There are also requirements for the provision of comprehensive PPE for workers and the inspection of plants by the Health and Safety Authority with immediate effect, where this has not been done to date.” He added: “Failure to do so will put further workers, their families and the wider community at risk. Action must be taken if we are to avert the possibility of the closure of the entire meat and dairy processing industry due to the threat of Covid-19.
SIPTU calls for temperature testing and PPE for meat and dairy plant workers
