HSA | Meade Potato Company Unlimited has been fined €150,000 following a serious work-related incident which occurred at the company’s premises on 30 June 2022.
The victim became trapped after his right arm was drawn into the brush rollers of a Haith Root Veg Polishing Machine while he was carrying out his duties. The victim sustained life-changing injuries as a result of the incident.
The company pleaded guilty to Section 8(2)(a) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, as it relates to Section 8(1), contrary to Section 77(9)(a), in that it failed to manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of an employee at work.
The company also pleaded guilty to Section 8(2)(e) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, as it relates to Section 8(1), contrary to Section 77(9)(a), in that it failed to provide systems of work that were planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised in such a way as to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of its employees.
Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, Mark Cullen, said: “Employers must ensure that work activities, particularly those involving machinery with moving parts, are managed and overseen with robust safety measures in place. Properly planned and maintained systems of work are essential in preventing serious injuries. This case highlights the consequences when these fundamental protections are not in place.”
