Second Müller Milk & Ingredients worker dies of Covid-19

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Müller Milk & Ingredients stressed the health and safety of all its employees is the first priority.
Müller Milk & Ingredients stressed the health and safety of all its employees is the first priority.

Related tags coronavirus COVID-19 Müller

A second worker from a second Müller Milk & Ingredients plant in the UK has died after contracting Covid-19.

A worker at the Bridgwater plant in Somerset died in early January.

At the time, a spokesperson for Müller Milk & Ingredients said, “With support from Public Health England and Somerset County Council, 333 employees at the site have now been tested for Covid-19. 64 colleagues remain in self isolation, 44 of whom have tested positive.

“Production at Bridgwater has been scaled down at this time and we are utilizing our network of dairies for support to minimize disruption for our customers. 

“Our approach to the Covid-19 pandemic has always followed best practice as set down by the Health and Safety Executive, with standard measures in place including the use of facemasks, distancing, enhanced daily deep cleaning and hygiene.

“We have introduced mandatory temperature testing for all employees at the site entrance, hired designated Covid-19 coaches to help ensure full compliance with strict protocols and we are redoubling our advice to help ensure that transmission is minimised in the community and through travel. 

“This is underpinned by a program of e-learning, information and audits to ensure compliance and awareness of the measures. 

“We are grateful to our colleagues for their diligence in following guidelines in the workplace, while travelling and in the community, and to Somerset County Council for supporting the rapid testing required to help control this outbreak.” 

A second worker, from the Droitwich plant in Worcestershire, has now died from the virus.

The company said the employee had been off work since December 30, due to a personal matter, and has passed away after being admitted to hospital with Covid-19.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this deeply upsetting time,”​ the company spokesperson said. 

Müller Milk & Ingredients added a total of 26 employees who work at the Droitwich dairy are currently self-isolating, and “it is important to stress that fresh milk processing is highly automated ensuring no risk to products.For context, we have 607 employees at the site – so 4% are self-isolating.”

The company said the health and safety of all its employees is the first priority.  

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