Tara Mines reopens with calls made to ensure workers' safety during the pandemic
Tara Mines resumed operations on Thursday as it has been deemed an essential part of a national and international supply chain in the fight against Covid-19.
As the 800 workers returned to work, calls have been made to ensure their safety during the pandemic.
Workers had been sent home from work on the night the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the lockdown, but following clarification, a decision was taken to reopen the mine.
According to Jim McVeigh of SIPTU the majority of the workers are “content to be going back to work, but are concerned, which is a normal human emotion in the current climate.”
A spokesperson for the company explained they are a crucial link in the supply chain of zinc which has a key role in the manufacture of medical and health equipment.
“We are fully cogniscant of the safety guidelines. We have carried out a review of the site and observing the guidelines, we have put in any measures necessary.
“When the government announced the lockdown on Friday night, it didn't allow for any other interpretation but to send home the staff.
“It was only when the guidelines came out, that we understood we could continue to operate as part of an essential service,” he said.
Jim McVeigh of SIPTU said it was the company's decision to reopen and it must ensure that the strictest health and safety guidelines are adhered to.
“I have spoken to the company and given them our input - we want government instructions fully followed.
“If anyone is in a vulnerable category or has somebody at home who is vulnerable, our advice is to stay at home and anyone who has any concerns can contact the union,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputies Darren O'Rourke and Johnny Guirke have written to Tara Mines General Manager, Gunnar Nyström, calling on the company to ensure that every measure is taken to protect the safety of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We have been contacted by a number of miners who are concerned about the working environment in the mines and how they are going to manage to comply with good Covid-19 practices. Miners share transport, changing and canteen facilities, and are in close contact in enclosed working conditions for hours at a time.
"We have written to the General Manager of Tara Mines, Gunnar Nyström, calling on him to ensure that every measure is taken to protect the safety of workers.
"We are very conscious of the competing demands being placed on essential workers and families - go to work to keep essential supply lines open but do everything you can to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
"The instruction from the Department is quite clear. It says an essential business should meet the public health advice provided, not just the social distancing aspects. Where an essential business cannot meet social distancing rules due to the nature of the work they are doing, they should introduce other measures advised by public health to mitigate the potential risk of contracting Covid-19, for example staggering work rotas and putting in necessary health checks and supports.”