HSA launch investigation into industrial accident

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched an investigation following an industrial accident which left a man seriously injured.

Shortly after 1pm on Tuesday, gardaí and emergency services were alerted following an accident at the Stryker plant at Anngrove in Carrigtwohill.

It’s understood 2 people are undergoing treatment and one of them, a man in his 40s, received burns in the incident. This man was removed from the scene by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.

An Garda Síochána said: “His injuries are understood to be serious. The scene is preserved for examination and the HSA has been notified.”

A HSA spokesperson told the newspaper it is aware of the incident and “have launched an investigation”.

A statement from Midleton Fire Brigade said: “It was reported that one person had suffered burns while working on equipment that was located on the roof and that the fire was out. One fire appliance and an emergency tender responded from Midleton Fire Station. The fire crew from Midleton subsequently returned to the station at 7.08pm.”

‘Heartfelt prayers’

There was a statement to the ‘Neil Prendeville Show’ on Red FM yesterday from a person who said they were a close family friend.

The statement said: “I am writing with a heavy heart as our family received the worst news, yesterday afternoon, in connection with the accident at the Stryker plant at lunchtime. A close family member was the chap who was very seriously injured during the incident and he has sustained massive burns.

“Though I cannot divulge any specific personal information, I would like to ask the good people of Cork and beyond, for their heartfelt prayers. He is a kind, mild mannered family man, 41 years old, with a loving wife, a baby, a young child and a stepson - who are his world. He was living the perfect life until 1 o’clock, (Tuesday).

“His devoted parents, wife and siblings are devastated and keeping vigil at the hospital. He was in surgery until late last night (Tuesday) and is on life support. Our extended family are heartbroken and feel helpless at this shocking turn of events…all we have is hope and prayer.”

Meanwhile, also yesterday, SIPTU expressed their sympathies to the 2 workers who were injured. The union requested an “urgent meeting” with Stryker management following the accident.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Neil McGowan said: “The two workers and their families are uppermost in our thoughts and all SIPTU members at the plant wish them a speedy and full recovery from the serious injuries they suffered.

“We will await the outcome of an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority before we comment further on the incident. We have today written to management seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the safety concerns of workers on the three Stryker sites in Carrigtwohill. We want to ensure that the best safety systems possible are in place across the sites.”

A spokesperson for Stryker said: "The health and safety of our people is and always will be our main concern. Our thoughts are with the 2 people injured at our Anngrove facility (on Tuesday) and we are in communication with the families.

"Operations at Anngrove resumed (on Wednesday) morning following an inspection by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Our Employee Assistance Programme is available to all employees and we have personnel onsite to support them.

"We continue to work closely with the HSA as they carry out their investigations into the incident."