The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Garda are both carrying out investigations into a death at a Cork plant yesterday. An employee was fatally injured when hit by a piece of machinery he was working on.
Mr Teddy Horgan, a fitter, from Kiltegan Lawn, Rochestown, Cork, had worked with the ADM plant at Ringaskiddy for the past 25 years.
The plant manufactures citric acid for the soft-drinks industry, and with the exception of a fire which broke out at the complex in 1994, there have been no serious incidents there. This was the first occasion on which an employee lost his life.
The accident occurred just before 1 a.m. yesterday and the company immediately notified the Garda as well as the HSA which is statutorily required to investigate such accidents.
If the investigation finds the company was negligent in any way, it may face prosecution. The scene was cordoned off by local gardaí as part of a separate inquiry, and the section of the plant in which the accident happened was shut down. The company has also begun its own internal investigation.
In a brief statement, ADM managing director, Mr Brian Leahy said: "Our main concern at this time is for the family of our esteemed colleague and our thoughts and prayers are with them. A company investigation as well as investigations by the statutory authorities will be carried out. In the meantime, operations in the area are shut down."
Mr Horgan, who was in his 50s, was one of the longest serving employees at the plant. He was married with three children.