Courts / Limerick / Report
Unauthorised safety bypass 'could have led to explosion' at J&J plant, commission told
Summary
An unauthorised bypass of a safety mechanism at a Johnson & Johnson contact lens factory in Limerick could have caused an explosion if it had not been discovered during a night shift. The Workplace Relations Commission was informed that 16 workers, across two shifts, were sanctioned after no one admitted responsibility. The issue was raised by technician Michael Meade, who filed a complaint under the Equal Status Act alleging discrimination. Meade, who worked the day shift, was one of the sanctioned workers and lost a €190 bonus and received a note on his file. He contested the sanction, claiming he was not present when the incident occurred. The company argued that the modification could have been made at any time and that all 16 workers were potentially responsible. The hearing was adjourned for further submissions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Unauthorised safety bypass 'could have led to explosion' at J&J plant, commission told. Charges or matters: discrimination. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- August 2020 Incident
- 2022-04-05 Publication
Why: "If you don't set out what the breaches of the act are in your complaint, that presents a difficulty for your case going forward because the company can turn around, legitimately, and say you haven't set it out," Mr O'Brien said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: discrimination (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: adjournment
Places mentioned
Topics
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