UCC on trial in campus death

The Health & Safety Authority brought a case through the Director of Public Prosecutions against University College Cork and a workman yesterday, arising out of a fatal accident on campus where a member of the college’s governing body died while working near a cherry-picker machine two years ago.

Frank McGrath, 58, died from extensive chest injuries sustained when the machine was being used for maintenance work on campus lighting on March 5, 2013. Mr McGrath had worked in UCC for over 26 years.

State solicitor Frank Nyhan said the DPP had directed trial by indictment in the cases against UCC and co-accused, John Punch of 28 Woodlawn, Tramore Rd, Togher, Cork.

Judge Olann Kelleher adjourned both cases to May 20 at Cork District Court to allow time for preparation of a book of evidence.

The first charge against UCC is of failing to ensure, as far as was reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of their employees The next charge is similar but refers to the personal injury and death of Francis McGrath.

The third charge is of failing to perform systems of work that were planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate so as to be, so far as was reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health. The next charge is similar but refers directly to the death of Mr McGrath.

The first charge against John Punch is that he failed to make correct use of a mobile elevated platform vehicle in that he drove the vehicle forward with the hoist/jib fully lowered and so with a significant blind spot and restricted vision.

The second charge is that he intentionally, recklessly or without reasonable cause, placed at risk the health and safety of persons in connection with work activities..