New Matrix Medical Network Program Assesses, Verifies Effectiveness of Tyson Foods' COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Efforts

Rhea-AI Summary

Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) is piloting a new program with Matrix Medical Network to assess and verify COVID-19 safety measures at its plants. Over a dozen facilities are participating, with six already certified for safety. This certification program, developed alongside Cleveland Clinic, includes on-site assessments based on CDC and OSHA guidelines. Tyson invested $540 million in fiscal 2020 for facility upgrades and safety enhancements. The collaboration aims to establish a healthier workplace while continuing to provide vaccine education and access to its employees.

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• Tyson Foods invested $540 million in safety measures during fiscal 2020.
• Over a dozen plant locations are participating in the COVID-19 safety verification program.

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is piloting a new Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) program that assesses, addresses, verifies and monitors the effectiveness of the company's efforts to protect workers from COVID-19.

More than a dozen Tyson Foods plant locations, including some of the company's largest facilities, are participating. Six have already received safety verification and seven more are in the process of being assessed. 

The Matrix certification program was developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation's largest health systems and is designed to help verify and monitor that businesses are taking appropriate measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to workplace safety verification that includes:

• On-site assessments based on the latest guidelines from the CDC, OSHA and state regulations
• Best-in-class protocols based on the well-established clinical and industry expertise of Cleveland Clinic and Matrix
• Actionable recommendations to address identified health and safety gaps
• Ongoing updates on evolving COVID-19 guidance and regulations

Certification assesses people, processes and structure. It also involves analysis of workplace policies and procedures, as well as areas where people gather, including density, traffic flow, ventilation and physical proximity. A safety verification seal indicating alignment to certification standards, once granted, is issued for a year and includes another on-site assessment after six months to ensure continued compliance with current guidelines.

"Our company has made tremendous progress in our efforts to protect our team members by transforming our facilities and implementing an always-on testing strategy," said Tom Brower, senior vice president of Health & Safety for Tyson Foods. "We believe this certification by outside health experts confirms we're using best-in-class measures to combat the virus. And, what we learn from the plants where we're piloting this program can also be applied at other company locations across the country."

"Matrix has been working closely with Tyson since the beginning of the pandemic setting up mobile health clinics, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with the company on testing strategies," said Matrix Chief Medical Officer Daniel Castillo, M.D. "The new certification program brings together the Matrix risk assessment and Covid-19 experience and the deep clinical expertise of Cleveland Clinic to establish and sustain healthy, safe, and productive workplaces for Tyson employees."

The certification program is the latest in a series of continuous improvement measures Tyson Foods has taken to fight new waves of COVID-19. During fiscal 2020, the company invested $540 million to transform its U.S. facilities with protective measures, from walk-through temperature scanners and workstation dividers to social distance monitors and always-on testing, as well as provide additional team member pay and benefits.  Tyson Foods has also expanded its health services staff, added a chief medical officer and plans to pilot health clinics for team members and their families early this year.

Earlier this month, Tyson Foods announced that it is also partnering with Matrix to ensure the company's U.S. team members are educated about and have access to COVID-19 vaccines.  

For more information on the certification program, visit https://matrixmedicalnetwork.com/certification/.

About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world's largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp®, and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it's available and raise the world's expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM to learn more.

About Matrix Medical Network
Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization's unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.  Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Consulting Group, LLC.

Matrix Media Contact:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
Elissa.Johnsen@matrixmedicalnetwork.com
312-285-3203

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SOURCE Matrix Medical Network

FAQ

What is Tyson Foods doing to ensure workplace safety related to COVID-19?

Tyson Foods is piloting a certification program with Matrix Medical Network to assess and verify its COVID-19 safety measures across several plant locations.

How much has Tyson Foods invested in COVID-19 safety measures?

Tyson Foods invested $540 million in fiscal 2020 to implement various protective measures in its U.S. facilities.

Which health organizations are involved in Tyson Foods' COVID-19 safety program?

The COVID-19 safety verification program is developed in collaboration with Matrix Medical Network and Cleveland Clinic.

How many Tyson Foods facilities have been certified for safety so far?

Six Tyson Foods facilities have received safety verification, with others still being assessed.