Ensuring the safety of employees in the workplace is of utmost importance, particularly for large corporations. 

This principle was underscored by the case of Durairaj Santiran, a former Malaysian flight attendant who suffered a severe spinal injury following a slip and fall incident on an aircraft. 

Deemed Medically Unfit After Fall

Seeking redress, he has filed a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to RM5.9 million, citing negligence on the part of his former employer, Singapore Airlines, for failing to uphold workplace safety standards.

The incident occurred during a flight from San Francisco to Singapore on September 6, 2019. Durairaj spotted a greasy area on the economy-class galley floor.  About two and a half hours before the scheduled landing, he slipped on the slick surface, leading to a fall that inflicted considerable spinal injuries and left him medically incapable of carrying out his duties as a flight attendant.

Having served with Singapore Airlines from April 2016 to April 2021, Durairaj currently holds a position as a customer care analyst in Malaysia.

Seeking Compensation

In his claim, Durairaj seeks compensation totalling RM4.6 million for the loss of future earnings, RM106,174, for the impairment of earning capacity, and RM531,070 for anticipated medical and transportation expenses. 

During the commencement of the 10-day trial on February 13, the 35-year-old appeared in court wearing a neck brace, symbolizing the severity of his injuries.