Courts / Laois / Report

Firm fined €400k over 'devastating' death of dad-of-four during 'totally misconceived' operation

Summary

An electrical engineering company, John Fletcher Ltd, was fined €400,000 after a father of four, Alan Mulhall, died when a 760‑kg low‑voltage switchgear fell on his head during a manual move at St Patrick's Hospital. The company pleaded guilty to failing to discharge employer duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and to failing to take organisational measures to avoid manual handling. The incident occurred on 23 November 2017 when the switchgear was transported from a trailer to the hospital plant room over uneven ground and manually lifted into a 2‑m high door. The switchgear tipped and struck Mulhall, causing fatal head injuries. The court found the plan to move the equipment "totally misconceived" and imposed the fine on the company and a €5,000 fine on director David Fletcher. The company had no prior convictions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Firm fined €400k over 'devastating' death of dad-of-four during 'totally misconceived' operation. Charges or matters: two counts of failing to discharge the duties of an employer. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 23, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 21 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 23 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-03-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report