Stryker prosecuted over safety breaches after death

Updated / Thursday, 22 Oct 2026 12:53

The medical devices company, Stryker, is being prosecuted for breaches of health and safety legislation arising out of an explosion at the company's plant at Carrigtwohill in Co Cork, following which a man died.

The company, with an address at Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin, was summonsed to the district court in Midleton, where it faces seven charges for alleged breaches of health and safety legislation.

Stryker is one of the world's best known producers of medical devices.

It has sites across eight locations in Ireland, employing more than 4,000 people at six facilities in Co Cork.

On 18 April 2023, there was an explosion at the company's plant at the IDA Industrial Park at Carrigtwohill.

John Murphy, 41, was working on the roof of the plant for a contractor at the time.

The married father from Watergrasshill received extensive burns to his body.

He died almost two months later at St James's Hospital in Dublin.

The explosion was the subject of an investigation.

The firm was summonsed to court, where it faces seven charges.

They include failing to classify parts of the site where explosive atmospheres may occur as hazardous and non-hazardous, failing to make risk assessments and exposing Mr Murphy to risk to his safety, health or welfare.

The company, which was represented in court by barrister Alison Fynes, has yet to indicate whether it will plead to or contest the charges.

Emmet Boyle, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Judge Colm Roberts today was the first day this case was before the courts.

He applied for an adjournment, which was granted.

The case will be back before the court again on 3 December.