Worker dies after becoming entangled in crushing machine

AN investigation has been launched after a man was killed in a crushing machine accident at a quarry in County Donegal, the 25th workplace fatality this year.

Noel Heaney, 25, died after becoming entangled in the machine in Ballintra. He is the second person to die in a work-related accident this week.

A separate investigation has been launched into a second accident at another site in Donegal, after a man badly damaged his arm on a conveyor belt.

The Health and Safety Authority this week announced it is to launch an inspection blitz on workplaces next month.

Particular emphasis will be placed on Donegal, where five people have died in work-related accidents this year.

More than 1,000 inspections will be carried out on construction sites across the country to make sure employers are complying with health and safety rules. Mr Heaney, from Bohermore in Galway, died either late on Tuesday night or early yesterday at the Roadstone Provinces quarry at Ballintra.

Gardaí and the HSA are investigating the accident. Early reports suggest he was working alone when he became entangled in the machine. Work-mates who arrived for work at 7am discovered his body.

Roadstone Provinces said it will co-operate fully with the HSA while carrying out its own investigation.

The HSA is also investigation a second accident in Donegal. Peter Cowell, a 41-year-old, originally from England, is recovering in University College Hospital after suffering a severe arm injury at a landfill site at Ballinacarrick, Ballintra, on Monday morning.

On Monday, a 59-year-old man working on a building site at Ballyclough near Mallow, Co Cork, died after suffering head injuries following a fall.