A Co Galway sand quarry was closed down today after the High Court ruled a litany of safety errors had put workers in serious danger.
The pit, Ballyglunin near Tuam, was inspected on several occasions and almost a dozen faults highlighted, but no steps were taken to help guarantee workers would not be put at risk.
Ms Justice Mella Caroll was told health and safety inspectors visited the quarry on a number of occasions and raised several safety concerns.
The quarry owner, Dr Denis 'Christy' Higgins, trading as DCH Sand ignored several requests to improve standards at the quarry.
The court heard there was no drinking water or hot water on site. Cold water was piped through a rusted agricultural slurry spreader, machinery left unguarded, and large stockpiles of sand far exceeded legal height levels.
A forklift was also found without a seat, seatbelt, reversal signal or flashing beacon.
The HSA refused to comment on the case specifically but noted the industry had one of the highest fatality rates of all sectors. "It is vital that health and safety legislation in this area is complied with and that the highest standards are followed at quarries to prevent further fatalities," Senior Quarries Inspector, Mr Pat Griffin, said.
"The HSA has worked in partnership with the sector and significant improvements have been made in recent years.
"However, in instances where the law is being flouted, and parties are not engaging with the HSA we will have no choice but to seek recourse to the courts to protect the safety and health of workers."
Three prohibition notices and three improvement notices were issued ahead of a court challenge. And the HSA believed safety risks at the quarry were so serious that it must be immediately shut.
The High Court today agreed to the order.