In Dublin’s Convention Centre, the safety and well-being of workers is taken seriously. However, accidents can still happen, and in one unfortunate case, a former cleaner suffered a needle stick injury that resulted in a €60,000 claim. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and precautions in the workplace, particularly in high-risk environments. In this article, we will delve into the details of the incident and explore the implications it has for workers and businesses alike.
A man, Tomasz Szlezak, who hails from Poland and had previously worked for Cagney Contract Cleaning and Cagney Maintenance Services Ltd., settled a personal injury lawsuit for €60,000, the details of which were not disclosed. The incident occurred in March 2019 when he suffered physical and psychological injuries cleaning a women’s bathroom at the Dublin Convention Centre. According to him, the needle end of a hypodermic which had been hidden inside a bloody sanitary towel had pricked his thumb as he was removing a plastic liner from a bin. Mr Szlezak claimed that he received immediate medical treatment at the infectious disease clinic of the Mater Hospital as a result of this. The defendant’s legal team showed a document in court in which Mr Szlezak had confirmed receiving specific training on how to dispose of sanitary products but he denied having received such training. The case was ultimately settled in court.
In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for employers to take necessary measures in ensuring the wellbeing of their employees. While it may seem like a small oversight, a needle stick injury can have severe consequences and ultimately result in legal action. It is encouraging to see that justice was served in this instance with a hefty settlement awarded to the former cleaner. Let this serve as a reminder for all employers to prioritize their employees’ safety and take preventative measures to avoid any potential harm.
