Tyson Reopens Pasco Plant for Limited Production

Tyson resumed limited production at its Pasco, Washington, beef plant on Tuesday, May 5. The plant had been idled since April 23, to test its team members for COVID-19, according to a release from the company.

Team members had been asked to self-isolate until the results of that testing had been returned. Tyson worked with local health officials to verify test results and communicate them to team members. Those that tested positive will only return to work after they’ve met the criteria that the CDC has set for safely returning employees back to work. Team members who have not been tested won’t be allowed to return to work, and all new hires will be tested before beginning work, the release says.

“The health and safety of our team members is our top priority,” said Shane Miller, senior vice president and general manger beef enterprise, in the release. “While the plant was idle, we performed a deep clean and sanitization of the facility and took proactive steps to complement our existing prevention efforts.  Information is the best tool to fight COVID-19 and we’re focused on further educating our team members about CDC guidance to prevent spreading the virus. We have a diverse workforce and will provide this education in all languages spoken among our team members.” 

The team returning to work today will start their shift with a facility tour to see the changes made to promote social distancing and additional protective measures that follow CDC and OSHA’s guidance. These measures include:

• The use of infrared thermometers to check the temperature of team members before they enter company facilities.
• Supplying of protective facial coverings to every team member and requiring they are utilized.
• Required use of face shields for team members where workstation barriers can’t physically be implemented.
• Wellness checks to screen for symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath.
• Additional dedicated social distance monitors stationed throughout the facility during all shifts to ensure team members are adhering to safety protocols and social distancing requirements.

Tyson has also partnered with Matrix Medical Network to provide a mobile health clinic at the Pasco plant, the release says. The clinic will provide community-based health services including diagnostic testing for COVID-19, daily, on-site clinical screenings, access to nurse practitioners, and employee education and support for personal health goals or concerns. Matrix Medical is also assisting with the environmental design of the facility to mitigate the risk of community spread.

In addition, the company doubled the amount of its “Thank You” bonus for its frontline workers, and team members who can’t come to work because of illness or childcare issues related to COVID-19 will continue to qualify. It also increased short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal pay through June 30 to encourage team members to stay home when they’re sick, the release says.

“We would like to thank Tyson for continuing to take these measures seriously and putting the safety and welfare of their employees first,” said Meghan DeBolt, director of Walla Walla County Department of Community Health, said in the release. “We would also like to thank our Department of Community Health team and Providence St. Mary Medical Center for helping test such a large number of Tyson employees quickly and efficiently. This was a huge team effort by everyone and a testament to the readiness of Walla Walla County to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.”