Courts / Dublin / Report

Company fined €50k over workplace accident

Date
2023-10-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

E W Technologies was fined €50,000 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after its former managing director, David Ford, pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate fall prevention measures. The charge related to a workplace accident on January 15, 2021, at a warehouse in Blanchardstown Corporate Park. The court heard that Ludovic Tanfin, a 58-year-old employee, fell over two metres from an improvised platform constructed on a forklift while attempting to repair a damaged shutter door. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Mr Tanfin suffered a fractured skull, inter-cranial bleeds, and multiple rib fractures, resulting in a year-long absence from work and ongoing cognitive difficulties. The judge described the incident as a one-off event, highlighting the company's impeccable safety record and lack of systemic failures. The company, which has since been sold to a US firm, was fined €50,000 to be paid forthwith. Prosecutors from the Health and Safety Authority stated that staff should have left the repair to experts, but their efforts to fix the door created the serious risk. Defence counsel noted the company's early plea and full cooperation with the investigation. Mr Tanfin is currently pursuing a separate personal injury case.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Company fined €50k over workplace accident. Charges or matters: failing to provide adequate fall prevention measures at a warehouse in Blanchardstown Corporate Park on January 15, 2021. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 15, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
2023-10-19 Publication

Why: The pallet was then lifted up just short of 10 feet and Mr Tanfin loosened the bolts in order to remove the two panels so they could be fixed. CNI source report