Foreman sentenced for Malaga building site accident

The foreman of a building site on which a workman lost a leg has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The accident occurred in Benahavis in 2005 when the man was told to put tools in the scoop of a mechanical digger which was being operated by another worker, who then got out and left the engine running.

His shirt got caught on one of the levers, activating the scoop and trapping his colleague’s foot. The victim sustained several injuries and his left leg had to be amputated.

A criminal court sentenced the foreman to 18 months in prison and a fine of €1,800, which has now been confirmed by Malaga Provincial Court, as he was in charge at the time and knew it is forbidden to carry tools in a mechanical digger or approach them while the engine is on.