Company Fined €125,000 After Worker Falls from Height
In Mullingar District Court on Wednesday, 20th November, Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd, along with their Managing Director and Health and Safety Manager, pleaded guilty to breaches of Health and Safety legislation.
Judge Keelan Johnson imposed a fine of €125,000 on the company, with additional costs of approximately €6,000. The probation act was applied to the company Managing Director and Health & Safety Manager for their breaches under Health and Safety legislation, which included the following:
- Section 8(2)(e) Contrary to Section 77(9) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
- Regulation 6(1)(b) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2013 Contrary to Section 77(2)(c) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
- Section 8(2)(e) Contrary to Section 77(9) and Section 80 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
- Section 14(b) Contrary to Section 77(2) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Incident Background:
Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd, based in Killucan, Co. Westmeath, was upgrading the electrical installation at their manufacturing facility. On 12th May 2022, at approximately 09:30 hrs, an employee fell through a fragile roof light while installing new electrical cables on the roof of a maintenance shed.
The employee survived but sustained serious injuries after falling over 7 meters to the concrete floor below. The roof light was partially camouflaged by dust and debris, contributing to the accident.
The company and its management team failed to implement adequate safety measures and ensure a safe system of work, exposing workers to risks from inadequate edge protection and fragile roof lights.
This demonstrates that it is essential that employers mange and conduct work activities to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees. Appropriate risk assessments should be undertaken prior to starting work. This is particularly important for activities at height, where the potential for serious injury is increased. Work at height can be performed safely with a completed risk assessment and the appropriate work equipment. Persons should only be lifted to height by equipment specifically designed for that purpose.
