ABSTRACT
Dennis works as a labourer for Hopeless plc and needs to use a ladder to carry out some work. Dennis collects a ladder from Eric in the stores but, when he is halfway up the ladder, steps on a faulty rung and falls to the ground, cutting his shoulder. Dennis goes to his doctor and is given an anti-tetanus injection to which he is allergic. He suffers such an adverse reaction that he is off work for three months without pay. Hopeless plc denies any liability, pointing out that it is a strict company rule that if an employee uses a ladder, he must place a restraining block behind it to ensure that it does not slip, and that Dennis had neglected to do this.
