Stryker accused of breaching health and safety regulations after fatal explosion at Cork site

John Murphy died nearly two months after an industrial incident at the Stryker plant in Carrigtwohill

John Murphy: Carrying out work on the roof at the time. He was able to make it down off the roof but became unresponsive a short time later. File picture

US medical devices company Stryker has been charged with alleged breaches of health and safety regulations following an explosion at a Cork plant in 2023 where a contractor died after he suffered burns to 75% of his body.

John Murphy, a 41-year-old father of three, of Condonstown, Watergrasshill, Co Cork, died at St James' Hospital, Dublin, on June 9, 2023.

His passing occurred nearly two months after an industrial incident at the Stryker plant in Carrigtwohill, East Cork, on April 18, 2023.

Mr Murphy was carrying out work on the roof at the time. He was able to make it down off the roof but became unresponsive a short time later.

He was treated at the burns unit in the Dublin hospital, but never regained consciousness.

Following an investigation, the DPP directed that Stryker face seven charges for alleged breaches of health and safety legislation.

At a sitting of Midleton court on Thursday, Emmet Boyle, for the DPP, sought an adjournment in the case until December 3.

Mr Boyle told Judge Colm Roberts that the DPP had directed the case be returned for trial at Circuit Court level.

The case can also be returned to the court on a signed plea of guilty.

The judge agreed to adjourn the case until December 3.

Stryker was represented by barrister Alison Fynes of Arthur Cox, who applied for and was granted discovery of the file in the case.

Stryker has a registered address at Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin.

It is alleged that Stryker failed to: 

• Make an appropriate risk assessment;
• Clarify places where an explosive atmosphere may occur;
• Ensure that titanium dust particles did not rise from the production floor and enter the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system on the roof, thereby exposing Mr Murphy to risk for his safety and welfare.

It is further alleged that the company failed to identify hazardous places under their control, failed to manage and conduct an undertaking in such a way that people were not exposed to a risk to their safety, failed to carry out a risk assessment, and failed to co-ordinate measures required by Part 8 of the Act.

The alleged offences are contrary to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Home Act, 2005.

Members of the Murphy family were outside the court in Midleton for the short hearing. 

US company Stryker established a base in Cork in 1998 and currently employs around 4,000 people in six locations around the county.

Mr Murphy is survived by his wife Daniela, children Kayla, Jayden, and Dylan, his parents Sean and Eileen, his five siblings, nieces, nephews, inlaws, extended family, colleagues, and a wide circle of friends.

He was laid to rest at Ballinaltig cemetery in June 2023 following a requiem Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Watergrasshill, Co Cork.