New case law – The District Court acquits two lift fitters and a CEO who were charged with serious health and safety offences following an accident involving a construction lift in December 2023 (Solna TR B 6543-24)

Five people who were in the lift were killed in the accident. The investigation shows that the construction lift fell to the ground because there were no load-bearing bolted connections between two mast sections. These defects had not been detected during installation or during subsequent inspections.

– The investigation does not provide a clear or complete picture of what led to the accident, who was responsible for carrying out the necessary checks on the lift, or when these should have taken place. The high standard of proof required for a conviction has therefore not been met, says the presiding judge, Senior Judge Karin Sandahl. The fitters are therefore acquitted of criminal liability.

Nor does the investigation show that the accused CEO was responsible for the accident by failing to organize the work properly and neglecting his duties under the Work Environment Act. He is therefore also acquitted.

Read more here (Swedish).