A plumber who was injured while working at the University of East Anglia (UEA) has been awarded £5,217 in compensation. John Spalding, 65, from Norwich, slipped on a wet bin bag while repairing a leaking radiator beneath a desk in the university library.
The incident occurred at the university's premises on Earlham Road, Norwich. Mr Spalding was forced to lie on a sodden bin bag because the university did not provide anti-slip mats or waterproof overalls. After fixing the leak, he slipped while trying to stand up, smashing three teeth and sustaining severe facial cuts.
Norwich County Court initially awarded the compensation in August last year, finding Mr Spalding 50% at fault. The university appealed, arguing it had no legal duty to provide waterproof clothing or a dry working environment. However, the Court of Appeal upheld the award.
Mr Justice Spencer dismissed the appeal, accepting that the university was at fault for failing to provide a waterproof mat. He noted that had such a mat been provided, Mr Spalding would have avoided working on a wet surface for two hours and would likely have escaped injury.
