Joseph Coughlan was a dedicated employee at Kerry Ingredients, a powdered milk production plant located in Charleville, Co Cork. He had been a general operative at the plant for 22 years. However, his life took a turn on July 23, 2017, when he was involved in a workplace accident. The incident occurred while he was assisting in manoeuvring a large sheet of metal near a 20-foot deep hole. He slipped and partially fell into the hole, striking his back against the edge of the opening.
Despite the accident, Joseph demonstrated remarkable resilience. He continued to work for another hour to finish his shift that day and even returned for the night shift. However, the accident had left him with chronic back pain. Two days later, he visited his GP complaining of severe lower back pain. He remained out of work until October 9, 2017. Unfortunately, due to ongoing back pain, he had to cease working again in July 2018.
In response to the incident, Joseph Coughlan sued his employer, Kerry Ingredients (Ireland) Ltd, which accepted liability. The case was brought before Mr Justice Anthony Barr for assessment of damages. In the end, the court awarded him more than €268,000. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the potential consequences of accidents.
Joseph Coughlan, a general operative at the Kerry Ingredients plant in Charleville, Co Cork, sustained a severe injury on July […]
High Court Awards €268,000 to Worker Injured at Kerry Ingredients Plant Read Post »
