V F Cold Stores Ltd Fined €200,000 After Accident Resulting in Death of Employee
Friday 6th May
A fine of €200,000 was imposed on V F Cold Stores Ltd by Judge Greally today (Friday 6th May) at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The company had pleaded guilty to two charges under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005.
The case arose as the result of a fatal accident on 28th November 2013 at the company’s premises in Finglas, Co. Dublin.
Mr Robert Ceremuga, a warehouse supervisor employed by V F Cold Stores Ltd, died when loaded racking in one of the warehouses collapsed and fell on him.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Authority concluded that a number of safety and health procedures were not fully implemented on the day of the accident.
V F Cold Stores Ltd pleaded guilty to Section 8(2)(a) of the 2005 Act contrary to Section 77(9)(a) in that their employee Robert Ceremuga suffered personal injury and died.
The company also pleaded guilty to Section 8(2)(g) of the 2005 Act contrary to Section 77(2)(a).
Speaking after sentencing, Brian Higgisson Assistant Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority said:
“It is important that employers adequately manage and conduct work activities, in particular carrying out risk assessments before any major works, such as alterations to racking. These assessments should ensure that everyone has the necessary training, knowledge and experience to complete the work in a safe manner.”
Ends
