The Tax Cheapo

Nissan recently ended up shelling out a six-figure compensation for failing to provide a safe working environment for their workers.

David Turpin, working as Die Maintenance Technician with Nissan’s plant at Sunderland for fourteen years, suffered a serious injury due to a fall while leaving the plant in December 2005. The thirty five year old worker slipped on black ice piled up at a badly lit exit, and suffered a severe fracture in the index finger of the right hand. Although the fracture healed, the finger was disfigured and it left him unable to go back to his trade because he had lost the dexterity and strength required for his work that involved lifting heavy items.

David Turpin consequently ended up employed as an admin worker and then as a tenancy support worker at the Gateshead Council.

Thompsons, lawyers for David Turpin, accused Nissan of negligence, arguing that since it was winter and quite dark, there should have been proper lighting. It was the lack of this basic facility that resulted in the accident. Nissan accepted liability and settled out of court, paying an undisclosed amount as compensation, which is rumoured to be in six figures.

Davey Hall, Regional Secretary of Unite, the union which supported Mr. David Turpin, said that this instance highlighted that fact that a simple accident could result in a major financial loss for the worker, and companies should be alert in adopting safety measures for their people.

Workplace Law offer NEBOSH e-learning, a unique web-based training programme leading to the award of the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health. The course offers all the advice and information needed for managers to successfully manage appropriate policies and procedures and improve upon management skills to help find the best ways to lead and promote health and safety, and therefore meet its legal obligations.