Russian Railways (RZD) has been ordered to pay 100,000 rubles to a former employee who suffered hearing loss after three decades as an assistant train driver. The Mogochinsky District Court made the ruling, citing the harmful working conditions associated with the profession.

The employee, who worked at the Mogochinsky Locomotive Depot for over 30 years, developed “bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of the 2nd degree” due to the constant noise exposure. This condition was recognized as an occupational disease.

Although the man retired at retirement age, he did not receive compensation for the damages he suffered.

The court found that RZD failed to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating the absence of hazardous working conditions for the employee. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of the former employee, awarding him 100,000 rubles in compensation.

The court deemed the plaintiff’s initial request for 500,000 rubles excessive. They noted that his hearing had not deteriorated further, according to the case materials. The application for compensation was also submitted seven years after the occupational disease was diagnosed.

The Zabaykalsky Krai Court reviewed the appeal and ultimately upheld the original decision made by the Mogochinsky District Court.