A Co. Tyrone firm was, today (Friday, March 13th), fined £12,500 (over €14,000) following the death of a man at a livestock mart.
Clogher Valley Livestock Producers pleaded guilty to one breach of health and safety legislation at Belfast Crown Court, following an incident where a farmer, Mr Harry McAnespie, died after being struck by a gate at the livestock mart in June 2018.
The court heard that McAnespie had been struck by an “inadequately maintained steel stock-proof gate” when a young bull had attempted to jump over the gate.
This incident resulted in Mr McAnespie receiving “serious head injuries”. The court was told that the gate had a defective latch which meant the gate could not close properly.
HSENI inspector, Sean Keogh, said: “Employers must ensure that all plant and machinery is properly maintained in an efficient state and in efficient working order to protect both their employees and members of the public.”
Image source: Clogher Valley Livestock Producers Facebook
