Courts / Dublin / Report
Worker fractured skull after falling from improvised forklift platform
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 11 October 2023, Ludovic Tanfin, who fractured his skull after falling from an improvised forklift platform at E W Technologies' warehouse in Blanchardstown, was reported to still suffer cognitive difficulties more than two years later. Tanfin had stood on a wooden pallet placed on the forklift's prongs after the company's roller shutter door collapsed when he tried to remove damaged panels. He fell over two metres, sustaining skull fractures, inter‑cranial bleeds and rib fractures, and spent eight days in hospital. The company, represented by former managing director David Ford, pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate fall‑prevention measures and faces a potential fine of up to €3 million or a prison term of up to two years. The court noted that the incident occurred after the company had been sold to a larger US firm and that the company had an otherwise impeccable safety record.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Worker fractured skull after falling from improvised forklift platform. Charges or matters: failing to provide adequate fall prevention measures at the company's warehouse on January 15, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 15, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 19 Adjournment
- 2023-10-11 Publication
Why: The pallet was then lifted up just short of 10 feet and Mr Ludovic loosened the bolts in order to remove the two panels so they could be fixed. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: failing to provide adequate fall prevention measures at the company's warehouse on January 15, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At a hearing today, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told that the company could be fined up to €3 million or face a prison term of up to two years for breaching health and safety regulations.; Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the matter for finalisation to October 19.
Places mentioned
- Blanchardstown Corporate Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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