Recycling firm faces trial over workplace death

A criminal prosecution has been brought against an employer following a workplace fatality at a waste recycling plant in Dublin almost three years ago.

Shane Bellew-Reilly, 23, from Hawthorn Terrace, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co Louth, was killed following an incident involving a forklift truck at the Panda Waste facility on Cappagh Road, Finglas on 18 August, 2021.

The Health and Safety Authority launched an investigation and submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who gave the go-ahead to prosecute Irish Packaging Recycling Unlimited Company.

The charges are under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

A summons was served on Irish Packaging Recycling Unlimited Company, with an address at Panda Waste Managements Solutions, Ballymount Road Upper, Dublin 24.

The case came before Dublin District Court on Monday when Judge Anthony Halpin agreed to a prosecution to adjourn the case until October.

He noted that the DPP needed to complete a book of evidence.

It is to be served on the next date, and a return-for-trial order can then be granted, sending the case forward to the Circuit Court.

A plea has yet to be indicated.

The recycling business is accused of failing to manage or conduct work activities or ensuring that a forklift truck was being driven in a safe manner, and as a consequence, an employee, Mr Bellew-Reilly, suffered injuries and died.

The firm is also accused of failing to provide the worker with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to operate a forklift truck.

The last charge alleges a failure to ensure that a competent person examined a forklift truck after alterations and repairs before it was returned to service.