US medical firm Stryker to face criminal prosecution over Cork fatal incident

A US medical‑technology company, Stryker, will be prosecuted criminally for alleged breaches of health and safety legislation linked to a fatal incident at its Carrigtwohill plant in County Cork.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended proceedings following a Health and Safety Authority investigation into the incident that occurred on 18 April 2023. Representatives of Stryker are due to appear before Midleton District Court on 22 October, when the specific charge or charges are expected to be set out.

The incident resulted in the death of John Murphy, 41, a married father from Condonstown, Watergrasshill, who was working on the roof for facilities‑management contractor Apelona at the time. He suffered extensive third‑degree burns to 75 % of his body, was transferred from Cork University Hospital to the specialist burns unit at St James’s Hospital in Dublin, and died on 9 June 2023.

A second colleague was also injured. The HSA investigation report has been with the Office of the DPP since October 2025. Murphy’s family have criticised the length of the inquiry and the potential five‑year delay to the inquest if criminal proceedings proceed.

In March 2024, the family commenced High Court proceedings against Stryker Ireland Limited and Apelona Ireland Limited. A family representative declined comment on the upcoming court case.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Bas Geerlings / Pexels.