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“Face to face” STAFF WORK, unsuitable specialist masks, lack of social distances and tight changing rooms were among the issues highlighted in the inspections of meat processing plants by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
The reports were released by the HSA with the identity of the specific factories removed along with the inspection dates.
In one report, multiple issues with unused face coverings were highlighted throughout the site, especially in areas where social distance could not be observed.
Staff wearing specialist masks had either “worn badly” or worn incorrectly while “pinch points” where staff gathered were observed in sanitation stations, locker rooms, as well as entrances and exits.
Another report warned of “potential cross-contamination” of masks in the area where they were distributed while the factory was told to ensure a “minimum level of acceptable protective equipment”.
One report said “agents” had been seen working closely, especially in the retail area of the meat processing plant.
“Some were face to face or back to back and also in the packaging area where limited screens were provided,” the report adds.
Another report also reported problems with workers “facing each other across the line” in different areas of the plant. Concerns were also raised about the improper use of face coverings at multiple locations throughout the plant.
A report states: “Ensuring that the face shields supplied are consistent with HSE guidelines and are properly worn to provide optimal protection.”
Another report highlighted the lack of adequate signage. “Ensuring that information is provided in a form, manner and language that all employees can understand,” he said.
Many of the meat-processing establishments were told to pay particular attention to how social distancing was managed on their premises.
“Particular attention should be paid to areas where employees congregate, especially, but not limited to, corridors, canteens, locker rooms and smoking areas,” some reports say.
Another report reported “tight clusters” in locker rooms, according to which the facility should consider whether some should be moved to provide extra space.
He added: “Review the level of protective equipment provided and used in the area at the rear of the boning room where a compact group was observed.”
Canteens were also featured in multiple reports with warnings issued about people sitting too close together.
The council said: “Review the number and location of seats in the canteen area to comply with current guidelines on social distance of 2 meters.”
Another canteen was criticized for not having hand hygiene facilities at the entrance. “These were absent at the entrance to two temporary canteen areas at the time of my inspection,” the report said.
A meat processor was told he needed to have a “trained individual” in charge of screening at the site entrance for temperature screening and social distances.
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It was also said that additional hand sanitizer stations were to be installed with none at the entrance [a] canteen located in the tent area “.
Not all problems related to Covid-19, with a plant found to contain dangerous chemicals stored in an open container.
“Asbestos coverage was observed throughout the site,” the report added saying provisions to minimize exposure needed to be detailed.
It was also found that another facility had an asbestos cover in an animal housing area that was “observed in poor condition”.
The documents were released to the Right to Know transparency group following an appeal to the Information Commissioner.
A statement from the Health and Safety Authority said they had originally denied the registrations when they were involved in local and national Covid-19 outbreak control teams.
“The circumstances that influenced the decision … have since changed and these changes are based on the government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreaks in meat processing plants,” they said.
“In particular, the previous public health program under which inspections of the meat processing plant were conducted … has now been completed.” They said they had submitted a report on this to NPHET.
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