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

02/03/2026 · Geneva Court of Justice, Criminal Appeals Chamber · GE · Fatal · P/10983/2021 (AARP/74/2026)

What happened While marking out on slab formwork, a mason was told to move an unfixed panel over an opening. He lost his balance, fell 5.36 m onto concrete and died the next day.

What the court decided Convicted by the police court (18.3.2025); appeal partly upheld, sentence reduced, conviction confirmed.

Why Openings need side protection or a fixed, unbreakable cover. Whoever has a cover moved must first set up collective protection.

Mason and slab foreman: convicted of negligent homicide, 8 months' custody, suspended. Had an opening's cover moved without fall protection.

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

Source: entscheidsuche.ch (FR)

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