Workers on a gas production platform in the Bass Strait want their barge returned to port after a major outbreak of salmonella and gastroenteritis.

One construction worker on the Origin Energy project has been flown to hospital in Melbourne.

In total, 36 of more than 200 workers have fallen ill in the two weeks since the outbreak, their union said.

Crew say their calls to evacuate are being ignored in order to keep the $345 million platform expansion project on-track.

An Origin Energy and Downer Engineering spokesman said they had been working with Tasmania’s Department of Health and best-practice guidelines had been followed.

Australian Workers Union Victorian state secretary Cesar Melham said the outbreak was believed to have stemmed from improperly prepared meat.

However, workers continued to fall ill following a clean-up and other control measures that took place four days ago.