A Malta Shipyards worker has been awarded EUR 38,214 ($44,900) in damages after an accident 12 years ago.
Mark Grech Mallia and a number of colleagues were working inside the Marsa site's workshop when the metal hook of an overhead crane, operated by one of the men, hit a large metal beam, the Times of Malta reported.
This fell and trapped his left leg.
The accident left him with a 7% permanent disability and was assigned a different job when he returned to work.
In 2009, Mallia accepted early retirement and became a driving instructor.
Mallia sued the company and the colleague operating the crane.
The First Hall of the Civil Court dismissed the claim against thed worker, but found the employer responsible since it had failed to provide a ‘safe system of work’.
The crane had been too close to the workmen while being operated, the court said, adding that necessary measures had not been taken to ensure that the metal beam was firmly secured.
