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PERSONNEL WORKING “FACE-to-face”, ill-fitting specialist masks, lack of social distancing and tight-fitting locker rooms were some of the issues highlighted in inspections of meat processing plants by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
The reports have been released by the HSA with the identities of the specific factories removed along with the inspection dates.
In one report, several issues were highlighted with face covers not being worn throughout the site, especially in areas where social distancing could not be observed.
Personnel wearing specialized masks had them “poorly fitted” or worn incorrectly, while “pinch points” were observed where personnel congregated at hygiene stations, changing rooms, as well as entrances and exits.
Another report warned of “possible cross-contamination” of the masks in the area where they were being distributed, while the factory was told to ensure that there was a “minimum level of acceptable protective equipment.”
One report said that “operatives” had been seen working indoors, especially in the retail area of the meat processing plant.
“Some were face to face or back to back and also in the packing area where limited displays were provided,” the report added.
Another report also noted problems with workers “face-to-face across the line” in several different areas of the plant. Concerns were also raised about the inappropriate use of face coverings at various locations in the plant.
One report stated: “Make sure the face shields provided are consistent with HSE guidelines and are used correctly to provide optimal protection.”
Another report highlighted the lack of proper signage. “Make sure the information is provided in a form, manner and language that can be understood by all employees,” he said.
Many of the meat processing plants were told to keep a special eye on how social distancing was managed at their facilities.
“Particular attention should be paid to the areas where employees congregate, in particular, but not limited to, hallways, dining rooms, locker rooms and smoking areas,” several of the reports said.
Another report noted “tight clusters” in changing rooms and said the plant should consider whether some should be moved to provide additional space.
He added: “Please review the level of protective equipment provided and used in the area at the rear of the boning room where a tight group was observed.”
Cantinas also appeared in various reports with warnings issued about people sitting too close together.
The tip said, “Check the number and location of seats in the canteen area to meet current 2-meter social distance guidelines.”
Another canteen was criticized for not having hand sanitizing facilities at its entrance. “These were absent at the entrance to two temporary dining areas at the time of my inspection,” the report says.
A meat processor was told it needed to have a “trained individual” in charge of screening at the entrance of the site for temperature sensing and social distancing.
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It was also said that additional hand sanitizer stations needed to be installed without any at the “entrance to [a] dining room located in the tent area ”.
Not all of the problems are related to Covid-19, and one plant was found to have dangerous chemicals stored in an open container.
“Asbestos roofs were observed throughout the site,” the report added, saying arrangements need to be detailed to minimize exposure.
Another plant was also found to have asbestos roofing in an animal housing area that was “found to be in poor condition.”
The records were turned over to the transparency group Right to Know following an appeal to the Information Commissioner.
A statement from the Health and Safety Authority said they had originally withheld the records when they were involved in local and national Covid-19 outbreak control teams.
“The circumstances that influenced the decision … have changed since then 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 the inspections of the meat processing plant were carried out … has been completed.” They said they had submitted a report on that to NPHET.
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