Heywood v. Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad

CROCKETT, Justice.

Defendant railroad appeals from adverse jury verdict and judgment in action under Federal Employers’ Liability Act1 based on failure to provide a safe place to work.

Plaintiff, Robert L. Heywood, suffered the injuries complained of in a fall from a ladder while he was repairing a steam pipe in the blacksmith shop of defendant’s Salt Lake City yards. He had worked in the shops for over 30 years. As a machinist, his current assignment was that of general handy man or “trouble shooter.” On the morning of the occurrence steam was seen spouting from the pipe serving a piece of…