13-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) A former cabin crew member is embroiled in a legal battle against Singapore Airlines, seeking S$1.7 million (US$1.26 million) in damages after allegedly slipping on a grease patch while on duty aboard an aircraft.
Mr Durairaj Santiran, aged 36, served as a galley steward on flight A350 during a roughly 17-hour journey from San Francisco to Singapore on Sep 5, 2019. The incident purportedly occurred approximately two-and-a-half hours before landing, as the aircraft neared its destination.
The crux of Mr Durairaj’s claim, presented during the opening day of the suit, revolves around the airline’s alleged failure to provide a safe work environment. His lawyers from East Asia Law Corporation contend that Singapore Airlines neglected to address the presence of the grease patch adequately, rendering the area hazardous.
According to Mr Durairaj’s account, he spotted the grease patch on the floor of the economy class galley near the ovens while conducting routine aircraft checks before take-off. He promptly alerted a superior, who instructed him to remove the patch using disinfectant cleaning spray and paper towels. However, despite his efforts, the patch remained stubbornly in place.
Throughout the flight, Mr Durairaj maintained vigilance over the grease patch, notifying his superior of its persistence. Despite assurances that the issue would be logged for follow-up, attempts to eradicate the patch proved futile.
During the latter stages of the flight, tragedy struck as Mr Durairaj slipped on the elusive patch, resulting in a fall that left him incapacitated. Upon landing at Changi Airport, he underwent medical examination, which diagnosed him with a cervical disc prolapse, commonly known as a slipped disc.
However, Singapore Airlines, represented by law firm Niru and Co LLC, refutes Mr Durairaj’s claims, asserting that no grease patch existed. Their argument posits that even if Mr Durairaj did slip, the alleged grease patch did not cause the injuries for which he seeks compensation.
The trial, presided over by Justice Vinodh Coomaraswamy at the High Court, witnessed intense cross-examination of Mr Durairaj by Singapore Airlines’ lawyer Liew Teck Huat. Discrepancies emerged regarding the timeline of events and the extent of Mr Durairaj’s pre-flight inspections.
Mr Liew contested Mr Durairaj’s account, questioning the consistency of his testimony with the affidavit submitted to the court. Despite the vigorous cross-examination, Mr Durairaj maintained his position, underscoring the urgency of his claims against Singapore Airlines.
