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

16/03/2023 · Federal Supreme Court · VD · Fatal · 6B_1386/2021

What happened An 18-year-old apprentice metalworker died when an unfixed grating slid away on the 3rd level of an external steel staircase.

What the court decided Convicted at first instance; Vaud appeal court reduced the sentence (1.6.2021); Federal Court dismissed the appeal – final.

Why He knew the danger from concrete warnings and still chose a provisional fix. He was acquitted only on the protective-device charge.

Sole director, in charge of the works: convicted of negligent homicide, 12 months' custody, suspended + 60 day-fines of CHF 130 (total CHF 7,800), suspended. Had gratings fixed only provisionally despite warnings.

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

Fact summary in our own words based on the linked source, which prevails. No names of the people involved.