Meade Potato Company Unlimited has been fined €150,000 following an incident in which an employee’s arm was trapped in machinery

Judge John Martin imposed the fine on Meade Potato Company at Trim Circuit Criminal Court in Co. Meath today (Friday, February 20).

The serious work-related incident occurred at the company’s premises on June 30, 2022.

The court heard the victim became trapped after his right arm was drawn into the brush rollers of a Haith Root Veg Polishing Machine while he was carrying out his duties.

The victim sustained life-changing injuries as a result of the incident.

Meade Potato Company

Meade Potato Company had earlier pleaded guilty to two charges in breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The company pleaded guilty to failing 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.

The company also pleaded guilty to failing 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.

HSA

Commenting on the case, Mark Cullen, chief executive of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), said:

"Employers must ensure that work activities, particularly those involving machinery with moving parts, are managed and overseen with robust safety measures in place.

"Properly planned and maintained systems of work are essential in preventing serious injuries.

"This case highlights the consequences when these fundamental protections are not in place."