Cargo firm fined for Dublin Port worker's death

A cargo handling company and a machinery manufacturer have been fined €450,000 after the tragic death of a port worker in Dublin. Nicholas Collier, a 55-year-old haulier and father of four, was killed when a large machine ran over him in August 2019. The companies, Scruttons (NI) Ltd and Kalmar Solutions AB, were found guilty of violating health and safety regulations. The court heard that Collier's visibility was limited when he was struck by a container handler, a type of forklift used to move containers. Scruttons was responsible for failing to identify the hazard and assess risks related to operating the handler. Kalmar Solutions admitted to not designing the handler safely, as it lacked devices to improve safety in areas with restricted visibility. The court viewed footage from the accident, showing the vehicle moving quickly and hitting Collier, who was not visible to the driver. The driver was unaware of the incident, partly due to blind spots created by the machine's design. Pádraig McMahon, a senior health inspector, testified that the machine's design did not meet safety standards. He noted that while there were safety statements in place, they did not adequately address the risks of limited visibility. After the accident, new safety measures were introduced, like using a jeep to guide the handler and installing mirrors to improve visibility. McMahon voiced his belief that if better control measures had been implemented, the accident could have been prevented. Family members of Collier expressed their grief in court. His wife described him as a devoted father and husband, highlighting the significant void his death has left. His brother shared the emotional burdens the family faces, emphasizing the right to a safe workplace. In handing down the punishment, Judge Martin Nolan stated that both companies bore responsibility for the accident. He expressed regret over the preventable nature of the death and imposed fines of €150,000 on Kalmar Solutions and €300,000 on Scruttons. Both companies have six months to pay the fines.