A Malaysian former steward who worked for Singapore Airlines is taking legal action against the airline for S$1.78 million, approximately RM6.3 million, alleging negligence that led to an unsafe workplace.
Durairaj Santiran alleges that he slipped on a grease patch discovered on the floor of the economy-class galley during a flight from San Francisco in 2019.
He further stated that just before landing, he slipped on the grease patch and fell backward, hitting his head on the floor.
The 35-year-old man, who worked for SIA from April 2016 to April 2021, further stated that due to the spinal injuries, he is medically unfit to continue his work as a flight steward.
Currently employed as a customer care analyst in Malaysia, he is seeking damages amounting to $1.29 million for loss of future earnings, $30,000 for loss of earning capacity, and $150,000 for future medical and transport expenses.
In his lawsuit, he alleged that SIA had neglected to ensure the aircraft floor was clear of any substances that might potentially cause him to slip, and had also failed to implement a cleaning system to maintain floor safety.
SIA have denied the claim
SIA claimed his entire narrative regarding the existence of a grease patch that led to his fall was bogus.
According to The Straits Times, SIA’s legal representatives, Niru Pillai and Liew Teck Huat, stated that the airline had settled all valid and genuine claims submitted by employees but took a firm stance against those that were deemed invalid, illegitimate, or false.
They pointed out that Durairaj had previously filed two work injury claims in 2017 and 2018, which the airline did not dispute. But in these claims, Durairaj has received compensation for back and neck injuries under the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica) process.
Regarding the 2019 incident, SIA’s insurer raised objections to his Wica claim, citing the suspicion of pre-existing injuries.
SIA mentioned that in this case, there was no grease patch on the floor, which was claimed to be the location of the incident. Additionally, it was asserted that neither passengers nor crew members had slipped or fallen.
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