Panda waste firm faces trial over fatal incident at Dublin recycling plant

Panda Waste Management Solutions is facing trial over the death of a worker at its recycling plant in Finglas, Dublin.

The case against its parent company, Tallaght-based Starrus Eco Holdings Limited, came before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court. The company has not yet entered a plea. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that it face trial on indictment in the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers.

The State secured a four-week adjournment to complete a book of evidence. That material must be served on the company before the court can make an order returning the case for trial.

The company faces six charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. They relate to an incident on April 6, 2022, at the company’s premises on Cappagh Road, Finglas. The prosecution alleges that the firm failed to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of its employees.

The charges specifically concern the system for clearing blockages in an M&J Pre-Shred 4000S machine. Prosecutors allege the company failed to provide a safe system of work, adequate control measures, and appropriate training, instruction and supervision. They say those alleged failures resulted in injuries to Radu Alexandru Chertes, 32, who later died.

At the opening of an inquest in November 2022, Chertes’s brother, Andre, testified that he formally identified the body to gardaí. The inquest has been adjourned until the judicial proceedings conclude.