Cork man critically injured in Stryker explosion dies

John Murphy, 41, is understood to have died in hospital in Dublin on Thursday night, with family members at his bedside

Stryker's Anngrove facility in Cork.

The man who was critically injured in an explosion at Stryker’s Anngrove facility in Cork in April has died.

John Murphy, 41, who suffered severe and extensive blast and burn injuries, and who has been in hospital since, is understood to have died in hospital in Dublin on Thursday night, with family members at his bedside.

A spokesperson for Stryker said: "We are deeply saddened by the news that our Apleona colleague, John Murphy, has passed away. John was a friend to many, as well as a valued colleague, and our sympathies and thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who knew him."

Staff at Stryker were told of the tragic news this morning.

In a briefing to staff, the company described Mr Murphy as “a friend to many, as well as a valued colleague”.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, children and extended family,” the company said.

“We know this is difficult news. We urge any employee who is affected by this situation or is feeling anxious or upset to speak with their manager or HR business partner or contact our confidential Employee Assistance Programme resource. We will continue to provide onsite counselling support.” 

Siptu, which has been trying to engage with company management on a range of health and safety issues linked to its operations in East Cork, expressed condolences to Mr Murphy's family. 

"He has been in the thoughts of our members since the serious accident at the Stryker plant last month in which he and a colleague were injured," Siptu organiser Allen Dillon said. 

"It is with deep regret that we heard the news this morning that his struggle for life has had such a tragic outcome.

“While the circumstances of this tragedy have yet to be fully explained, as we await the outcome of an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority, it highlights once more the crucial importance of workplace safety.

"Siptu representatives have on a number of occasions sought discussions with the management of the Stryker plant in Carrigtwohill. Our members at the plant began raising health and safety concerns in 2019 and union representatives have been seeking engagement with management on these matters since then.”

 The Health and Safety Authority said its investigation into the incident, which is now a fatal incident, continues and no further details can be provided.

The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said he was very sorry to hear of the death of Mr Murphy and extended his sympathy to his family and his co-workers.

Speaking in Clonmel, he added: “We are very sad to hear that has happened. It is very bad news. I know that the Health and Safety Authority has a role to play here and will investigate any potential breaches and it is important that we allow that investigation to proceed.”

Mr Murphy was one of two contract staff who were working on equipment on the roof of the facility on April 18 last when the incident occurred around 1pm.

He and his colleague suffered burn and blast injuries in what was a suspected titanium explosion.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke pouring from the roof of the building and hearing people screaming in pain. The plant was evacuated.

The company said the incident was managed by its emergency response team with support from local emergency services.

Midleton fire brigade was asked to help with “a medical emergency” at Stryker’s Anngrove plant at the IDA Business Park in, Carrigtwohill.

It emerged just over two years ago that six workers from across the company’s three East Cork sites - Tullagreen, Springhill and Anngrove – had been raising health and safety concerns with the HSA for the previous three years.

The Irish Examiner revealed in November 2021 how the staff made a protected disclosure to the HSA in 2020 which included references to gas leaks, argon leaks, solvents escaping, several hospitalisations, plant evacuations, broken fire alarms and faulty equipment. 

"The standards are on the floor," one of the whistleblowers told the Irish Examiner.

"There's always a perception of production before everything else and it’s writ large, production before health.” Stryker at the time said it “absolutely rejects” any such allegations and insisted that it operates the highest level of health and safety processes and equipment rightly expected within any global medical device company.