Work accident under scrutiny

The Faroese Working Environment Service has completed its probe into the death of a 56-year-old man at the Varðin Pelagic fish factory in Tvøroyri on 21 June last year.

However, there are still some unanswered questions related to the accident.

“We have completed our part of the investigation,” says Leivur Persson, the head of the Working Environment Service, which has now asked the bailiff to check if there is cause for any criminal charges.

Persson declines to comment further on why the matter has been sent to the bailiff.

“There are a few disputed points which we will be investigating together,” he says.

With less serious work accidents, the Working Environment Service is authorised to issue fines. In more serious accidents, however, the prosecution is called on to investigate any criminal connections.

“The question is how big this breach of the work and environment law is. And that’s what we’ve asked the bailiff to determine,” says Persson.

The accident at Varðin Pelagic occurred during the rebuilding of the fish plant after it burned to the ground earlier last year.

Translated by prosa.fo