Company Forced To Pay N33.3 Million Compensation To Worker After Workplace Accident

Price for Safety Neglect: Company Forced To Pay N33.3 Million Compensation To Worker After Workplace Accident

In a recently ruling, the National Industrial Court in Port Harcourt ordered Ascot Ltd, a company based in Nigeria, to pay a former employee, Iboyi Emmanuel Onoride, the sum of N3.3 million as compensation for 54 months of earnings, as well as N30 million in general damages for the trauma and inconvenience he suffered after a workplace accident. The case was presided over by Hon. Justice Faustina Kola-Olalere, who found that the company had failed in its duty of care towards the claimant.

The Case Overview

The case stems from an accident that occurred on June 27, 2010, when Mr. Onoride, while on duty, sustained severe injuries to his right hand. The injuries resulted in the permanent loss of four fingers and part of his palm. Mr. Onoride explained that the accident was a result of inadequate safety precautions while performing his duties. He claimed that Ascot Ltd did not provide the necessary training, personal protective equipment, or supervision to ensure his safety during the operation of the machinery.

Following the accident, Mr. Onoride claimed that the company abandoned him, and he was left without support or adequate compensation. He sought N120 million in damages for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the injury had on his life. The company, however, defended itself by stating that it had not refused to reinstate Mr. Onoride after his hospital treatment. They argued that the accident was the result of his negligence, as he allegedly failed to adhere to safety standards.

In its defense, Ascot Ltd also claimed that at the time of Mr. Onoride’s discharge from the hospital, the company was undergoing a reorganization, which led to the closure of several facilities and put many employees, including Mr. Onoride, on standby. However, the claimant’s counsel, A. O. Chukwuka, rejected these claims, asserting that the company’s failure to provide proper safety training and equipment directly contributed to the accident.

The Court’s Judgment

In her judgment, Justice Kola-Olalere rejected the defense’s argument, stating that attributing the accident solely to the claimant’s negligence was insufficient. The court ruled that Ascot Ltd had breached its duty of care by failing to ensure the safety of its employees. The judge emphasized that the company was obligated to ensure that adequate safety measures, training, and supervision were in place to prevent accidents like the one Mr. Onoride experienced.

The court concluded that had there been proper safety protocols in place—such as proper training, safety equipment, and supervision—the accident could have been avoided. Justice Kola-Olalere ruled that Mr. Onoride was entitled to compensation under Section 5 of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 2004, for the permanent injuries he sustained and the trauma he endured as a result.

The High Cost of Neglecting Safety

The ruling in this case serves as a stark reminder to employers about the critical importance of workplace safety. When a company fails to meet its safety obligations, the consequences can be severe, both for the employee and the employer. In this instance, Ascot Ltd now faces a financial burden of N33.3 million in compensation, a cost far greater than the expenses that could have been incurred by ensuring proper safety measures from the outset.

Why Employers Must Prioritize Safety

This case emphasizes several crucial points that every employer should take to heart:

  1. Safety is Non-Negotiable: Employers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of their employees. A failure to provide proper training, equipment, and supervision can lead to devastating consequences.
  2. The True Cost of Neglect: The N33.3 million compensation awarded to Mr. Onoride is a direct result of Ascot Ltd’s failure to prioritize safety. This amount is far higher than what the company would have spent on preventive measures, such as safety training and proper equipment.
  3. Long-Term Implications: The impact of neglecting safety goes beyond financial compensation. The physical and emotional toll on employees can last a lifetime, affecting their well-being and quality of life. Employers who neglect safety risk damaging their employees’ lives permanently.
  4. Legal Consequences: The ruling also shows the serious legal implications of not adhering to safety regulations. Employers may face expensive lawsuits, loss of reputation, and legal consequences that could have been avoided by simply investing in safety practices.

The case of Ascot Ltd vs. Iboyi Emmanuel Onoride should serve as a wake-up call for employers across all industries. Safety should never be viewed as an optional expense but as a critical part of business operations. Employers must:

  • Invest in Safety Training: Ensure all employees are adequately trained to handle machinery and understand safety protocols.
  • Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equip workers with the necessary gear to protect themselves from potential hazards.
  • Conduct Regular Safety Audits: Regularly review workplace safety measures and address potential hazards proactively.
  • Monitor and Supervise: Ensure employees are properly supervised, especially when operating potentially dangerous machinery.

The message is clear: no amount of cost-cutting can justify compromising on safety. While employers may seek to reduce expenses, the price of neglecting safety can be far more expensive in the long run, both in financial terms and in the human cost of injury, trauma, and loss.

In conclusion, this case is a powerful reminder that safety should always come first. Employers who fail to take their responsibility seriously risk facing consequences that can permanently damage their business, employees, and reputation. Safety is not an afterthought—it should be woven into the fabric of every company’s operations.

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Praise Ben

A designer and write for HseNations

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