The Labour Court found that Aranbel Construction Ltd had penalised Kevin Lacey and Mr Braney for raising safety concerns and leaving a dangerous work situation. It dismissed the company's appeal in Mr Braney's case, upheld Lacey's appeal and awarded €6,000 to each worker. The determination was signed on 5 September 2008.
The cases followed an incident in February 2007, when Mr Braney stopped crane work during windy conditions as large panels were being lifted at a Tallaght site. The workers said they were let go for raising safety concerns. Aranbel said the crane hire was ending as the project neared completion and that it later offered part-time work. The Court found the company's account less credible, citing the lack of independent evidence from the crane hire company, the timing of the work offers and safety reports bearing Mr Braney's signature after he had left.