The latest press release from SIPTU concerning inspections on mushroom farms in 2007 can be seen as another layer of bad PR for the industry.
Kicking off the New Year with inspections being at the top of the agenda is hardly a positive vibe.
Nevertheless, the industry has to face the backlash of all the negative publicity from 2006, a lot of it warranted due to the "extreme" sections of the industry mentioned by SIPTU's Regional Secretary, Mike Jennings in his statement.
The inclusion of Mushroom Workers Lung (MWL) in the press release from SIPTU, did make Stalker sit up and take notice. The Mushroom People did carry an in depth article by Dr John Moore et al, on the subject in June 2005.
The concluding paragraphs of the article bear repeating again:
"In order to minimise development of MWL, the mushroom and compost industries should continue to develop in-house educational and awareness programmes, as well as pro-active surveillance / monitoring of workers by occupational health care professionals.
Any worker in these industries, who is exposed to any of the allergens as described... and who experiences unusual respiratory symptoms, should seek medical advice from their doctor immediately."
Hopefully this condition will not become so widespread and problematic that it generates ever more negative associations for the mushroom industry.
