A recent court ruling has emphasised the need for companies to ensure workplace safety, showing that negligence can have serious consequences.
This decision serves as a reminder that employees have the right to a safe working environment and that companies must take their responsibilities seriously.
Nestle is the company now in the eye of the needle.
In a recent court ruling, Nestle Nigeria PLC was asked to pay ₦10 million in compensation to Ilesanmi Temokun, an employee who suffered an injury on the company’s premises due to negligence.
The National Industrial Court in Ibadan made this ruling on Tuesday.
Lawsuit Against Nestle NIgeria PLC
Temokun had filed a lawsuit against Nestle Nigeria PLC and Mary Bolajoko Consultancy Services Limited through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, alleging negligence on their part.
This verdict highlights the importance of workplace safety and accountability, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
On September 4, 2021, a devastating accident occurred at Nestle Nigeria PLC’s premises, leaving an employee severely injured.
An iron locker fell on the employee, causing life-threatening harm. The employee’s counsel argued in court that Nestle Nigeria PLC was liable for the incident, citing negligence.
The counsel sought ₦10 million in compensation and damages on behalf of the injured employee.
In contrast, Nestle’s lawyer, Abraham Adeoye, argued that the lawsuit lacked merit and should be dismissed.
The court ultimately ruled in favour of the employee, ordering Nestle Nigeria PLC to pay the requested compensation.
In his judgment, trial judge John Peters emphasised that employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for their employees.
Additionally, he stressed that Nestle Nigeria PLC’s negligence led to the accident involving an iron locker falling on an employee, resulting in spinal shock and long-term health implications.
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Judge Peters noted that properly securing the locker could have prevented the accident.
Court Ruling
The doctor advised the 35-year-old employee to avoid strenuous work and long periods of standing due to his condition.
He said that he held no cost of action against the second defendant because she was the one who recruited the claimant for the first defendant (Nestle Nigeria PLC).
“I hold that the first defendant holds the claimant a duty of care.
“The claimant has discharged the burden of proof on him.
“The claimant is awarded a sum of ₦10 million as compensation for the injury sustained while working in the premises of the first defendant.
“A cost of ₦500,000 is also awarded as litigation cost in favour of the claimant,” he said.
The judge stated that the judgment cost will attract 20% annual interest until it is fully settled.
As a result, the total amount owed will continue to grow until payment is made.
