The Warrnambool abattoir workers were exposed to infected animals between June 5 and October  20, 2014. 

WorkSafe said MM failed to provide and maintain safe systems of work that protected employees from contracting Q Fever from infected animals. 

Mid last month Midfield Meat entered into a magistrates court enforceable undertaking with WorkSafe Victoria.

If the company completes its obligations under the undertaking the charges will be effectively withdrawn.

Midfield Meat will contribute $100,000 to the Victorian Farmers Federation to assist in running a campaign to raise awareness of Q Fever among stakeholders and workplaces.

VFF public affairs officer Ashley Mackinnon said a proposal involving forums and communications with farmers had been proposed and it was hoped the campaign would take shape early next year.

"There is an awareness campaign to be launched in the new year which is currently being developed about the risks of Q Fever," he said.

"Q Fever is not just something for abattoir workers to be aware of, everyone needs to be aware," he said.

Midfield Meat's Dean McKenna said the awareness program would benefit participants industry-wide. 

"We take our responsibilities extremely serious and look forward to maintaining our impeccable record," he said.

A WorkSafe spokesman said an enforceable undertaking was accepted as an alternative to prosecution in a only a few cases.

He said such an order could be put in place if WorkSafe believed it would deliver significant health and safety benefits that outweighed the deterrent effect that flowed from a possible conviction and fine. 

“WorkSafe is satisfied the undertakings proposed by Midfield Meats will deliver tangible and ongoing health and safety benefits to its employees, the abattoir sector and to the broader community,” he said. 

Q Fever is an infection caused by bacteria passed from animals to people usually by inhaling airborne dust particles contaminated by animal faeces, urine or birth products.

Only about half of all people infected show signs of clinical illness, but symptoms include a fever which may last for up to four weeks, severe headaches, sweats and chills, fatigue, muscle aches, confusion, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Up to half of symptomatic cases will develop pneumonia and many people will have inflammation of the liver.

Most people will recover within several months without any treatment but about one or two per cent of people with acute Q fever die of the disease.