The courts are setting a precedence and sending out a stern warning to employers that any negligence will not be taken lightly as a 64-year-old carpenter, who sustained injuries while working, was awarded over $28,000 in compensation.

64-year-old Pundit Surend Prasad a retired carpenter and painter was employed by Lion Builders in March 2006 and was assigned to paint a house. While standing on a plank which was lengthened by nailing extensions, Prasad fell and injured himself. After spending two days in hospital, Prasad was found to have permanent incapacity assessed at 5% and whole body impairment for less than 25$ compression of the body in the lumber region.

In his ruling Suva Magistrate Ajmal Gulab Khan states that he is satisfiedthat the Company failed to provide proper safety for work and exposed Prasad to unsafe risk and injury.

Magistrate Khan said Prasad is unable to carry out normal labor or do painting anymore and he is unable to sit for long in his prayer sessions or walk distances. He notes that the doctors’ report predicts ongoing intermittent pain in the future.

Prasad was awarded $7706 in special damages for loss of earnings as he has not worked since the accident, $8500 in loss of future earnings and $12,000 for the pain and suffering and loss of amenities by Magistrate Khan totaling $28,956 in compensation.