Court rulings & penalty orders after workplace accidents

Who is liable when it happens? Decisions by courts and prosecutors – with a fact sheet and lessons for managers and safety specialists.

08/10/2026ZH

Solar install with one roof side unprotected: project manager convicted

Horgen District CourtInjured

Edge protection on three of four sides is not enough. Whoever signs off the measures is liable, even from the office.

23/09/2026GE

Pushed off truck by crane load: Federal Court upholds conviction, 20% contributory fault

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

If you cannot see the load or hook, you need a trained signaller, not someone directing traffic on the side. Brief everyone helping to unload beforehand: out of the slewing zone while the load moves.

02/09/2026TI

Former Hotel Du Lac site: foreman and safety officer convicted

Correctional Assizes Court (Lugano)Fatal

Never throw material down: use a chute or crane and fence the drop zone. Site management and the safety officer share liability.

19/08/2026AG

Fall through roof panel: Federal Court overturns foreman's acquittal

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

Even 2.5 m can cause serious injury: non-load-bearing roofs only with crawling boards or nets.

28/07/2026TG

Hot galvanising rack falls on colleague: penalty order for crane operator

Frauenfeld Public Prosecutor (penalty order)Seriously injured

Before moving off: are all hook points visibly free? Nobody next to a hot load until the crane is clear.

27/07/2026SG

Unsecured fall from hall roof: Federal Court orders investigation to continue

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

A safety plan on paper is not enough: if you install fall-arrest devices, check they are used – especially for quick jobs and with temp staff.

21/07/2026GE

Fall from mobile scaffold: court refuses to reopen investigation

Geneva Court of Justice, Criminal Appeals ChamberSeriously injured

Never move a mobile scaffold with people on it, and move linked scaffolds only as the manufacturer specifies. Keep pallet trucks clear of scaffolds. After an accident, record witnesses and the sequence at once – otherwise responsibility often stays unresolved.

03/07/2026AG

Apprentice injured at milling machine: Federal Court upholds trainer's conviction

Federal Supreme Court (2nd Criminal Law Division)Seriously injured

Young workers on dangerous machines need constant supervision by a skilled person. If you are away, arrange a stand-in or the machine stays off.

24/06/2026SZ

Fall through fibre-cement roof: Federal Court quashes convictions

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

Roof ladders alone don't stop break-throughs: nets or crawling boards over the whole area.

17/06/2026SG

Concrete block falls from excavator grab: operator convicted

Toggenburg District CourtSeriously injured

In grab demolition nobody may be in the swing or drop zone. The operator stops while anyone is in the danger area.

26/05/2026BE

Pinned between excavator and wall: case against foreman stays dropped

Bern High Court, Criminal Appeals ChamberInjured

Enter a machine’s danger zone only with eye contact and the operator’s OK, even just to slip past. Block off tight gaps between machine and wall or have a banksman watch them.

22/05/2026VD

Fall through stripped formwork: foremen convicted, formworkers acquitted

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

Edge protection first, then strip. Whoever strips formwork closes the zone and tells every trade.

03/03/2026FR

Foot crushed by excavator bucket: supervisor and co-worker convicted

Seriously injured

Nobody within reach of the bucket while the excavator works – agree on eye contact and clear signals.

02/03/2026GE

Cover over slab opening moved: slab foreman convicted of negligent homicide

Geneva Court of Justice, Criminal Appeals ChamberFatal

Screw down and label covers over openings. If one is opened: guardrail first.

14/11/2025GE

Arm torn off by vineyard auger: grower and drill operator finally convicted

Federal Supreme Court (1st Criminal Law Division)Seriously injured

A rotating auger needs the guard the manual specifies – without it, no drilling. No loose clothing near rotating parts.

12/11/2025FR

Chassis falls from crane: boss and safety officer convicted

Federal Supreme CourtFatal

Never under a suspended load. If you delegate safety, check that it is actually done.

02/11/2025BE

No safety plan: project manager fined after roof fall

Bern Public Prosecutor (penalty order)Injured

Fall protection belongs in the safety plan before work starts, with someone named responsible.

29/10/2025NE

Ladder slips on mobile scaffold: site manager convicted of breaching building rules

Federal Supreme Court / Neuchâtel Cantonal CourtFatal

Never put a ladder on a mobile scaffold. Use mobile scaffolds only with guardrails and outriggers deployed.

30/06/2025FR

Châtillon landfill: truck driver runs over fellow driver

Sarine Criminal CourtFatal

The blind spot in front of a truck cab is large: separate walkways, front cameras or mirrors – and eye contact before moving off.

05/03/2025GE

Pushed off truck by crane load: crane operator and employer convicted

Geneva Court of Justice, Criminal Appeals ChamberSeriously injured

Never lift without sight of the load or a clear signaller. Nobody on the deck while the crane pulls.

11/09/2024VD

Unprotected stairwell in hotel renovation: three managers convicted

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

Improvised routes are warning signs. Protect openings at once and name a competent person for safety.

04/09/2024VD

Scaffold deck tips: works director and scaffolder convicted

Federal Supreme CourtLife-threatening

Inspect scaffolds before use: decks locked, toe boards fixed? The main contractor's works director is responsible too.

07/06/2024VD

Fall through fibre-cement roof: company boss gets prison time

Federal Supreme CourtFatal

Fibre-cement roofs are not walk-safe: crawling boards, nets, or work from below. If the method changes, re-assess the measures.

14/02/2024NE

Fall through false ceiling: site manager convicted

Federal Supreme CourtSeriously injured

Firmly block and label floors that won't bear weight – especially when outside specialists come.

16/03/2023VD

Apprentice (18) dies as loose grating slides: company boss convicted

Federal Supreme CourtFatal

Fix gratings and covers properly straight away. A near miss that morning is a stop signal.

Not legal advice. Decisions that are not final are marked.