An independent member of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has expressed “utter disgust” after supermarket giant Asda refused to address staff concerns around coronavirus, then after a case was confirmed, rejected calls for decontamination and protective measures.
Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh said staff at the County Tyrone store were already extremely worried by failures in protection provision and enforcing measures to prevent spread, and left shocked and angered on being told a colleague had contracted the disease.
Despite this, management flatly refused to carry out a deep-clean, contrary to Public Health Agency (PHA) guidance.
Councillor O’Cofaigh explained: “I had been liaising with members of staff at Asda in Omagh for some days as they had expressed concerns about the failure to enforce social distancing and non-issuing of appropriate personal protective equipment. It has now emerged a worker tested positive for COVID-19.
“On being informed of this, the already hugely concerned staff were plunged into shock and anger when management stated there would be no deep-clean of the store. This runs in direct contradiction to the PHA guidance which specifies in great detail the need for thorough decontamination. Staff who worked alongside the individual were expected to continue instead of self-isolating. It’s a clear case of profits coming before public health.
“Once I was confident of the information, I reported it to council to see if it could be addressed by the Environmental Health department, but I was directed to the PHA who have primary responsibility for enforcement.”
Councillor O’Cofaigh concluded: “Like any right thinking person, I am utterly disgusted by the approach taken and the abject failure to protect staff and public. The First and deputy First Ministers have publicly warned businesses to abide by the safety guidance issued, or they would be called out. If this warning is to mean anything, it must be followed up by real action to stop businesses from taking risks with the lives of workers and the public. Otherwise warnings ring hollow and will continue to be by-passed, placing countless people – staff and public – in peril of this highly contagious, life-threatening disease.”
When contacted, a spokesperson for Asda said: “We would never comment on an individual colleague, however we are staying close to the government guidance and should one of our colleagues feel any symptoms of coronavirus, we are asking them to self-isolate and are supporting them in doing so by providing full pay. Our customers can rest assured that we are following all government advice on ensuring our stores are safe and hygienic for our customers.”
But Councillor O’Cofaigh refuted this stating: “Staff at Asda have provided me with information which directly contradicts that provided by management. In particular, I understand the individual in question who tested positive worked two shifts upon return from holiday. Indeed I understand one worker spent an extended time in the same vehicle as the individual and is now very concerned for their own safety.”
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Justice Naomi Long continues to refuse to clarify if she will consider emergency legislation for action against persons failing to adhere to guidance/regulations to prevent the specific spread of coronavirus, on both an individual and corporate perspective, as a standalone offence.
The Health and Safety Executive have also been asked if it has a role in such instances, and if any assessments have been conducted in this respect.
At the time of publishing, there has been no response.
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