Malta Freeport and one of its crane operators have been ordered to pay over €35,000 in damages to another employee injured in 2010.

George Zammit filed his action for damages in the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Freeport and against Raymond Felice.

He told the court presided over by Mr Justice Anthony Ellul that while he was carrying out works of lashing and unlashing at the Freeport, Mr Felice was operating the crane. At one moment, part of the mechanism used for securing the container, the twistlock, came undone and hit Mr Zammit who suffered a two per cent permanent disability. 

Mr Justice Ellul said that no evidence had been forthcoming to show that Mr Zammit had contributed to the accident. The gantry crane ought to have been equipped in such a manner that the crane operator could see what was going on. This was the responsibility of the Freeport.

In conclusion the court found both the Freeport and Mr Felice responsible towards Mr Zammit for the damages. Both defendants were ordered to pay Mr Zammit a total of €35,833.35 in damages