Quarry tragedy on first day back at work after Christmas

Worker died when the stone he was standing on broke away and fell 10–12m to the quarry floor

AN experienced quarry worker died at McKeon’s Threecastles blue limestone quarry in Stradbally, Co Laois, Ireland, on the first Monday back after the Christmas and New Year holidays (Monday 5 January).

According to witnesses, 48-year-old Tony Bergin was working at the edge of the quarry alongside others when a section of stone weighing about 10 tonnes became detached and fell from under him to the quarry floor. He was killed in the fall of 10–12m.

Mr Bergin had worked for McKeon Ltd for the past 17 years, operating the Fantini chainsaws and block-trimming wire saws used in the quarry.

Niall Kavanagh, McKeon’s managing director, said the company had been working the quarry since 1960 with a solid safety record, never experiencing anything like this previously.

The accident happened at around 12.25pm. An ambulance was called from Kilkenny Hospital and was on the scene within minutes, but despite the best efforts of the paramedics and his work colleagues, Mr Bergin died at the scene from injuries sustained in the fall.

The Police and the Health and Safety Authority, who were called to the scene and spent two days investigating, will prepare a full report.

McKeon Stone Ltd were established in 1950 and extract and process limestone products for the construction and monumental markets of Ireland, Belgium, Holland and the UK.

The directors and employees of the company have extended their condolences to Mr Bergin’s wife, children and extended family.