The company director of World Plastering Limited and two Syrian nationals were yesterday charged with the involuntary homicide of an 18-year-old construction worker who fell to his death on the job.

The incident dates to August 1, 2014, when Syrian national Kasim Ibrahim was plastering a third-storey wall at St Theresa College in Ta’ Paris, Birkirkara. One of the ropes suspending a thick plank of wood snapped, causing the victim to fall. He died in hospital soon after.

The 31-year-old director, Christopher Schembri, subcontractor Ahmed Ali, 33, and Fahed Ajjan, 28, stand charged with 15 counts of criminal negligence and non-observance of health and safety legislation.

The victim’s cousin Asmo Muhamd, who watched in horror as the victim fell to his death, told this newspaper that Mr Ibrahim had removed his protective harness for a quick sip of water to cool down from the scorching heat.

Moments later, he climbed back out on to the wooden plank that was suspended by two ropes and started tying his harness. But he was too late – one of the ropes snapped and he fell.

Mr Ibrahim’s head slammed against the edge of a stone slab, leaving a large gash along his temple.

He left the war but died in Malta when we had found peace

The young man had fled Homs City three years before at the beginning of the infamous siege of the war-torn country. “We grew up together and left together. We would have been forced to fight in the army.

“There was so much violence we decided we couldn’t have a life there,” Mr Muhamd said, adding that the young man had left his family behind and was living alone in Malta.

“He left the war but died in Malta when we had found peace.”

The accused stand charged with failing to impart to their employees the necessary information concerning health and safety risks, failing to identify all necessary precautions, failing to provide training and to provide adequate hardboard planks, structures and equipment.

They were also charged with failing to ensure that the scaffolding was well-built and well-planned, failing to take the necessary steps to prevent falls from heights, not installing the necessary equipment which would prevent fire and electrocution and not providing quick access to first aid.

Inspector Sandra Zammit is prosecuting, while lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia are appearing for the accused.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit is presiding over the case.