The rare legal victory highlights employer negligence and the need for improved worker safety measures.
SINGAPORE: A 37-year-old migrant worker from Tamil Nadu, India, has won a lawsuit against his former employer after falling from an overcrowded lorry in 2021. The incident left Ramalingam Murugan with a fractured knee that required surgery and five months of medical leave.
On Jan 3, 2021, Murugan was one of at least 24 workers transported in a lorry designed for no more than 22 passengers. As the workers alighted during a rainstorm, Murugan was pushed by a coworker attempting to avoid the rain, causing him to lose balance and fall to the ground. His injuries left him unable to perform basic duties due to persistent pain.
In his lawsuit, Murugan accused his employer, Rigel Marine Services, of negligence, citing the lack of a proper transportation system and failure to conduct risk assessments. District Judge Tan May Tee ruled in Murugan’s favor, stating the company breached its duty by not maintaining order during alighting and overloading the vehicle.
The judge dismissed the company’s counterclaim that Murugan was at fault for not watching his footing, emphasizing that the accident was a result of overcrowding and poor supervision.
The ruling has been described as a “rare legal win” for migrant workers, shedding light on employer responsibilities for worker safety. Damages, for which Murugan initially sought S$100,000, will be announced at a later date.
