Fine of €100,000 Handed Down for Fatal Accident at Kilkenny Mine
Safety Chief says Court case highlights dangers of falls from height
Wednesday 20th January
A fine of €100,000 has been handed down to Galmoy Mines Ltd as a result of serious breaches of health and safety legislation. The case was heard before Judge Buttimer in Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court sitting in Carlow on Wednesday 20th January 2010.
The case arose as a result of a fatal accident involving a 44 year old man, Michael Joyce of Graffin, Clonmore, Templemore, Co Tipperary, who sustained injuries after falling from a height while working on a crusher underground at Galmoy Mines on the 16th February 2007.
The accident occurred when Mr. Joyce was sent to look at the condition of the primary crusher following a blockage which had occurred earlier in the day. Mr. Joyce was surveying the crusher on the manway gantry platform. While Mr. Joyce was on the platform the top guardrail gave way and Mr. Joyce fell onto the concrete floor pad beneath the crusher sustaining serious injuries which resulted in his death.
Speaking about the case today (21st Jan 2010) the Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, Martin O’Halloran, said that each year a significant number of workplace deaths occur after falls from a height.
“There were 43 workplace deaths reported last year, 8 of which were as a result of falls from a height. These accidents are avoidable and where the correct precautions are in place the dangers can be eliminated.”
Mr O'Halloran added
“I would urge all employers to constantly review any work activity that takes place at a height and ensure that all workers are aware of the dangers and that the proper safety precautions are in place.”
