Waste company Panda faces trial over death at Dublin recycling plant

Panda Waste Management Solutions faces a trial over the death of a 32-year-old employee at its recycling plant in Finglas, Dublin.

The case against Tallaght-based Starrus Eco Holdings Limited, which trades as Panda Waste Management Solutions, came before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court on Monday. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the company, which has not yet entered a plea, face trial on indictment in the Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court has wider sentencing powers. Judge Halpin granted the State’s request to adjourn the case for four weeks while prosecutors complete a book of evidence. That material must be served on the company before the court can issue a return-for-trial order.

Panda 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 charges allege that Panda failed to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of its employees.

Prosecutors specifically allege that the company lacked a safe system of work, adequate control measures, and proper training, instruction and supervision for clearing blockages in an M&J Pre-Shred 4000S machine. They claim those alleged failings led to injuries suffered by Chertes and his death.

At the opening of the inquest in November 2022, Chertes’s brother, Andre, who had also worked at the plant, testified that he formally identified his brother’s body to gardaí. The inquest remains adjourned pending the judicial proceedings.