This was published 4 years ago
WorkSafe launches investigation into Cedar Meats COVID-19 outbreak
WorkSafe has launched an investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak at Cedar Meats in Melbourne's west, which is linked to 88 infections.
The probe will examine social distancing measures at the abattoir in Brooklyn and whether workers were provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and hand sanitiser.
The Cedar Meats plant, where Victoria's biggest COVID-19 cluster emerged.Credit: Chris Hopkins
Because Worksafe is an independent statutory authority, it could also focus on the adequacy of communication between the Department of Health and Human Services, Cedar Meats and a labour-hire company once a spate of positive test results in workers were returned in late April.
The Andrews Government and Cedar Meats management have strongly defended their handling of the outbreak.
However, serious questions remain over how Cedar Meats staff remained at work for several days after Victorian health authorities became aware of a rising number of positive test results.
The Age reported on Wednesday that 260 employees were invited onto the site on May 1 to be informed of the Covid-19 outbreak and testing options.
Staff have complained that the meeting lacked appropriate social distancing measures and may have further put workers at risk of catching the virus.
Mystery also surrounds the first positive test linked to Cedar Meats back on April 2 and a lack of follow up by health officials to check whether the employee was telling the truth about how long he had been absent from the worksite.