A suggestion to have a health and safety unit within the Armed Forces of Malta was not considered a priority but it was set up after a young soldier died during training, a court heard yesterday.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli heard Lieutenant Colonel Mario Borg, commanding officer of the AFM’s 3rd Regiment, which is responsible for logistics and support, explain how his suggestion made in 2005 fell on deaf ears until the unit was finally opened in December 2010.

He was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Lance Bombardier Marvic Peregin, 32, and Lieutenant Christian Vella, 28, who are accused of the involuntary homicide of Gunner Matthew Psaila, 19, nearly four years ago.

The young soldier died three days after he found himself in difficulties during an army training exercise in Chadwick Lakes on February 13, 2009. The accident occurred when soldiers were making their way through a tunnel in freezing cold water.

Lt. Col. Borg headed an internal inquiry into the fatality and made four recommendations, only two of which have so far been implemented: the introduction of swimming tests and risk assessments prior to exercises.

The officer testified that, in May 2005, he was appointed health and safety officer by the AFM after obtaining a diploma. He had suggested opening a health and safety branch in 2007 but the proposal was not accepted at the time because he was told by the then AFM Commander, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, that it was not a priority.

He said he had first made a verbal recommendation, which he then put down in writing.

In October 2008, he drew up a health and safety policy paper and, after Gnr Psaila’s death, the AFM set up the branch he had suggested.

He said that, although his policy paper was still not implemented, two of his four recommendations were.

Lt. Col. Borg said the accused had no decision-making role in terms of policy within the army.

The case continues.

Gunner Psaila died three days after he found himself in difficulties during an army training exercise in Chadwick Lakes on February 2009. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi