Tag Archives: HSA

AN INDEPENDENT Senator has written to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) requesting a full investigation into claims that a life jacket used by a Doolin Coast Guard volunteer may have been faulty before she tragically lost her life six years ago. Mother-of-two Caitríona Lucas (41) had offered to help out the neighbouring Coast Guard unit from Kilkee in the search for a missing man, but she died after its rigid inflatable boat (RIB) capsized in a shallow surf zone on September 12, 2016. Two other crew members on board the RIB, who were also thrown into the sea, survived. Speaking to the Clare Champion, Senator Gerard Craughwell confirmed he has written a letter to the HSA to advise them life jackets provided to Coast Guard volunteers in late 2014 and early 2015 were tested in a number of stations around the country, which allegedly failed in all tests. He has also asked the Comptroller and Auditor General to examine …

A man has died in a workplace accident that happened shortly after midday today near the village of Doonaha in West Clare. Two units of the Clare County Fire and Rescue Services from Kilkee station along with National Ambulance Service resources were sent to the scene. A Garda spokesman confirmed that gardaí also attended the incident along with a request for the Athlone-based Emergency Aeromedical Service air ambulance to attend. Volunteers from the Kilkee unit of the Irish Coast Guard were tasked to secure a safe landing site for the helicopter, however, the man was pronounced dead at the scene and the helicopter was stood down and returned to its base. The man’s body has been removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination will be carried out. The Garda spokesperson confirmed that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will conduct an investigation into the tragedy and that gardaí will assist as required.

Workers have been urged to pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees when Storm Lorenzo passes the country on Thursday evening. With winds of up to 120kph forecast for Ireland today, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is warning that dangers linger long after an extreme weather event passes, especially for those using chainsaws. The orange weather warning in place for Clare, Galway, Mayo, Kerry and Limerick from 6pm today (Thursday) until 3am on Friday is expected to result in damage and fallen trees. Many workers particularly those involved in storm repair, construction, farming and transportation will be facing increased hazards. Unfortunately, two people lost their lives during Storm Ophelia while cutting and clearing windblown trees. The HSA has issued a warning to anyone planning on using a chainsaw to cut down fallen trees. Urging them to take extra caution and to leave chainsaw use to the experts, HSA assistant chief executive Mark Cullen, said: “Many owners of …

A 68 year old man died following a farming accident in Cooraclare on Thursday morning. The man,  who was from Cooraclare, has been named locally as Paddy Clohessy. The accident occurred while loading cattle. He died at University Hospital Limerick. A post mortem is to be carried out today and the Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation. The deceased man was helping out on a farm when the accident occurred. In 2018, 15 people died in Ireland from farm related accidents. The figure in 2017 was 25.

The health and safety authority is investigating the death of a man in his early 70s at a farm in Feakle. It is understood the man was found at a work yard on the farm by a relative in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday. Gardaí scenes of crime attended the scene and currently the HSA is carrying out an investigation into the death. A garda PSV inspector is due to carry out an inspection of a tractor which was at the scene.  

Former chief executive of Clare County Council Tom Coughlan has been announced as the chairman designate of the board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Mr Coughlan who was council CEO from 2009 to 2016, is a board member of the Shannon Group PLC. In accordance with the Programme for a Partnership Government, Mr Coughlan is scheduled to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation prior to the confirmation of his appointment. This appearance will take place on Tuesday, April 11. The announcement was made today (Friday) by Minister of State at the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Pat Breen. Three of the ordinary members, who were recruited to the board of the HSA via the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in 2014, have been re-appointed for a second three-year term. They have been joined by a new appointee, Ms Deirdre Cullivan.  Ms Cullivan was recruited through PAS and is a science graduate with senior level …

KILRUSH Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have launched separate investigations into the tragic death of Mullagh man, George Morrissey, on Monday. It is understood that the deceased man, who was in his 70s, was working in a building, next to his house, when part of a mini digger fell on him. Three units of Kilrush fire service, along with Gardai and an ambulance, attended the scene. Mr Morrissey was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. A postmortem examination is to take place at University Hosptial Limerick.

Work related accidents claimed the lives of 55 people last year, representing a 17% increase on the 47 reported in 2013. Figures released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) show fatalities in the agriculture sector increased by 87% in 2014, with 30 people killed [two in Clare]compared to 16 in 2013. For the fifth year running this sector has recorded the highest number of fatalities, representing roughly 55% of all work related deaths last year. Reflecting on what he desccribed as “a particularly horrific year for the agriculture sector”, Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the HSA, said, “The number of fatal accidents that occurred on farms last year was the highest in over 20 years. In May of 2014 alone there were five people killed. It is particularly tragic that five children lost their lives on Irish farms last year.” According to Mr O’Halloran, last year had the highest total number of workplace fatalities since 2008. “We are concerned at …