MADDOCK v. SCRUTTONS, LTD.

[1951] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 181

LIVERPOOL ASSIZES.

Before Mr. Justice Donovan.

Negligence - Safe system of working - Personal injuries sustained by plaintiff dock labourer on board ship-Plaintiff and other dock labourers, employed by defendants, instructed by foreman to close doors in side of ship and to secure them with steel beams (each weighing 178 lb.), which fitted into slots - Operation carried out by plaintiff and three fellow-workmen, two being stationed at each end of beam-First beam put safely in position - Second beam inserted in slot at one end, when it slipped out, fell, and crushed plaintiff's hand - Alleged duty upon defendants to provide derrick to hold up beam - Whether defendants should have employed someone to supervise the operation-Onus of proof of negligence.