A construction foreman, Vijay Prasad, has been awarded $214,800 in damages following a severe workplace accident that left him with significant head injuries. The incident occurred while he was working on a construction site for Kaimbu Island Ltd, where he was electrocuted while using a magnetic drill on an iron beam, causing him to fall from a scaffold.
Mr. Prasad filed a complaint against both Kaimbu Island Ltd and Pacific Plumbing Services Ltd (PPSL), alleging that they failed to provide essential safety equipment, including a residual current device (RCD), which could have prevented the electrocution that led to his fall. Court documents revealed that the defendants were negligent, as PPSL was contracted to supply “qualified tradesmen” for the project and did not adhere to safety regulations outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996.
Medical records confirmed that Mr. Prasad was hospitalized with moderately severe head injuries on October 10, 2013, and suffered lasting effects, including deafness in his right ear. He became dependent on his wife for care and claimed future economic losses due to a 47 percent permanent impairment.
Justice Deepthi Amaratunga remarked on the negligence exhibited by both defendants, particularly noting the unsafe condition of the work environment resulting from inadequate safety provisions. Additionally, the court ordered the defendants to pay $5,000 in legal fees, further underscoring their accountability.
This ruling highlights the continuing struggle for workplace safety and the rights of workers to a secure working environment. It serves as a reminder that adherence to safety protocols is crucial for preventing such unfortunate accidents in the future. There is a hopeful expectation that this outcome will encourage improvements in safety practices across the construction industry, ensuring that workers like Mr. Prasad are better protected.
Leave a comment