2023-06-26 · Dublin
Consultancy giant Ove Arup fined €750k over the death of dad-of-seven who fell 24m
The Irish branch of engineering consultancy Ove Arup was fined €750,000 after the death of 62‑year‑old John McCann, a father of seven, who fell 24 metres from a ventilation shaft on 23 September 2019. McCann was supervising fibre‑optic cabling when he stepped onto a fragile, lightweight fire‑insulation surface that gave way. An HSA inspector criticised the company's "laissez‑faire" approach to health and safety, noting inadequate signage, a failure to follow through on risk assessment and poor communication between departments. Ove Arup pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, admitting it had failed to ensure the safety of non‑employees and to maintain a safe work environment. Judge Orla Crowe imposed the fine and awarded the HSA costs of just under €7,500. The company accepted responsibility, offered a charitable donation and sent letters of condolence to McCann's family.