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

27/07/2026 · Federal Supreme Court · SG · Seriously injured · 7B_1045/2025

What happened After the steel structure was lifted off, the temp worker went to fetch a leftover sheet without tying off. He fell 5.2 m onto a scaffold and about 2.6 m further onto the hall floor and a conveyor.

What the court decided St. Gallen prosecutors closed the investigation against persons unknown (29.4.2025), upheld by the indictment chamber (28.8.2025). The Federal Court upheld the injured worker’s appeal: the investigation must continue – outcome open.

Why Suva’s accident report says the work was done without fall-arrest PPE although the safety plan required it and the devices were installed; the planned barrier around the fall zone was also missing. Whether those responsible supervised and checked enough must be investigated – even experienced workers need a minimum of oversight. The worker’s own mistake does not rule out others’ responsibility.

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.

Source: entscheidsuche.ch (DE)