Two former Malta Drydocks shipwrights were awarded e185,000 in damages after they were grievously injured in an accident on their place of work in 25 May 1993.

At the time, Joseph Fenech and Anthony Camilleri, who were 44 and 46 respectively, were employed as shipwrights at the Malta Drydocks.

On 25 May 1993, they fell about 12 metres from a platform which was being held up by a crane. As a result, they suffered hearing impairments and were in need of hip replacements.

The court, presided over by Mr Justice Philip Sciberras, said employers are duty bound to provide for the security of their employees. He added that machinery should be optimally maintained.

The two men fell from their platform as it tilted after the jib that was holding it twisted. The court held that the accident could have happened either due to a malfunction of the hydraulics controls or because of flawed maintenance on the jib.

The dockyard’s medical expert held that the valuation of damages to be paid should be decreased if the men had their hips replaced. However, he could not state for sure whether the operation would be successful.

However, the court decided to award the full indemnity to the two men regardless of the outcome of the operation.

Thus, after almost 15 years, 59-year-old Joseph Fenech was awarded e105,019.80 (Lm45,085) while 61-year-old Anthony Camilleri e80,782.67 (Lm34,680).