NEWS
A fine of €400,000 has been imposed on Co Laois-based electrical and mechanical engineering contractor John Fletcher Limited following a fatal workplace incident. Central Criminal Court Judge Martin Nolan imposed the fine on March 5, in relation to an accident occurring on November 23, 2017, when a four-person team was tasked with installing plant and equipment at St Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin 8. The team was manually handling a heavy section of LV switchgear into an upright position inside the plantroom, when an employee of John Fletcher Limited was crushed and fatally injured. John Fletcher Limited had previously pleaded guilty to four charges in breach of Safety, Health and Welfare legislation. Judge Nolan also imposed a fine of €5,000 on Director David Fletcher, who had previously pleaded guilty to two charges in breach of Safety, Health and Welfare legislation. Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, said, “It is vital for employers to ensure that all works being undertaken by their employees are planned, organised, managed and conducted in a safe manner.” www.hsa.ie M&E CONTRACTOR FINED €400,000 AFTER EMPLOYEE FATALLY CRUSHED
NRC apprentices Lewis Armour, Emeka Onwuka and Josh Strowger are pictured with Patrick Wallace, Principal Lecturer, Traineeships at Northern Regional College, and Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training and Support at CITB NI.
SKILLBUILD NI HEATS RECOGNISE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WINNERS
Northern Regional College has hosted inter-campus heats of SkillBuild NI 2025, naming three winners in the Electrical Installation category. First place went to Emeka Onwuka and second to Lewis Armour, both from the Newtownabbey campus, with third awarded to Ballymena campus student Josh Strowger. Overall, 45 apprentices and trainees showcased their talents at the annual inter-campus heats of SkillBuild NI 2025. Part of the UK’s largest multi-trade competition for young students and apprentices, SkillBuild NI is governed by CITB NI.
Competitions for joinery, carpentry, cabinet making, plumbing and electrical installation were hosted at the College’s Newtownabbey campus. These heats mark the first step for competitors aiming to qualify for the Northern Ireland regional heats at South Eastern Regional College in May, with the potential to reach the UK national finals later in the year. Each competitor received a participation certificate, while the top three in each
category were awarded Screwfix vouchers in recognition of their
achievements. www.nrc.ac.uk
GRANT LAUNCHES AERONA SMART CONTROLLER TO ACCOMPANY R290 HEAT PUMP
Grant has introduced the new Aerona Smart Controller, designed to integrate seamlessly with the next-generation Grant Aerona R290 heat pumps - providing a straightforward and efficient heating control solution for homeowners. Electricians will appreciate how this advanced controller simplifies both installation and system management. The Aerona Smart Controller features intuitive controls that make set-up fast and hassle-free. With user-friendly programming, you can easily configure heating schedules, domestic hot water timings, and room temperature settings to
match each client’s preferences. This weather-compensated
controller is engineered to optimise efficiency by monitoring outdoor temperatures and
automatically adjusting the heat pump’s performance for maximum energy savings. For added convenience, the Aerona Smart Controller
The Grant Aerona Smart Controller.
to monitor performance data, diagnose issues and provide timely support without requiring a site visit. www.grant.ie
is accessible via a web-based portal and mobile app. This allows homeowners to manage their heating remotely, whilst also giving installers access to the system
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