Airport worker in court over safety claim

THE trial began yesterday of an airport employee being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Authority arising out of an incident where a co-worker suffered fractures to both ankles when mobile stairs were moved as he exited the plane.

The HSA brought the prosecution against John O’Donovan of Ballyhandle, Upton, Innishannon, Co Cork, on a charge under health and safety legislation.

O’Donovan is charged that on August 11, 2006, at the new terminal in Cork Airport he failed to take reasonable care to protect the safety of a person who might be affected by his actions when removing steps from outside an aircraft. In particular, the charge states he failed to protect the health and safety of Michael O’Connell.