An Irish company was recently fined €150,000 following a workplace accident in Co. Meath.
This accident, which left an employee with life-altering injuries, demonstrates the urgent importance of maintaining robust safety systems in the workplace.
What happened?
On 20 February 2026, while carrying out his work duties at the company’s premises, an employee’s arm got drawn into the brush rollers of a machine. The employee suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the incident.
Subsequently, the company pleaded guilty to two charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
- Failure to manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of an employee at work
- Failure to provide systems of work that were planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised in such a way as to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of its employees.
On 20 February 2026, the company was then fined €150,000 at Trim Circuit Criminal Court.
What can employers learn from this?
This story is another stark reminder of the importance of robust Health & Safety systems. Mark Cullen, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, reminded employers that “this case highlights the consequences when these fundamental protections are not in place” and that “employers must ensure that work activities, particularly those involving machinery with moving parts, are managed and overseen with robust safety measures in place”.
To ensure the safety of employees, and reduce the risk of workplace accidents, employers should:
- Inspect and maintain machinery: Employers should conduct regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and machinery to identify any faults or structural damage. It is important to maintain records of all inspections conducted.
- Conduct regular risk assessments: In addition to inspecting machinery, employers should carry out comprehensive risk assessments for all high-risk activities and implement control measures to address any potential hazards.
- Update Health & Safety documentation: Employers should maintain detailed records of all Health & Safety documentation and ensure these documents are accessible to employees. Essential documents include a safety statement and current risk assessment records.