[Summary translation prepared by Business & Human Rights Centre]

Decision dated December 9, 2025, in case No. 212/13245/25

On November 13, 2025, the plaintiff filed this lawsuit, stating that he had worked at PJSC “Sukha Balka” from February 17, 2003 to September 2, 2020. During his employment, he developed chronic occupational diseases, including lumbosacral radiculopathy (L5, S1) and cervical radiculopathy (C6–C8) with a recurrent course, against the background of multilevel disc disease with pronounced static and dynamic disorders, persistent pain and muscle-tonic syndromes, and a significant peripheral neurovascular syndrome of the upper limbs. He was also diagnosed with neurodystrophy in the form of bilateral shoulder periarthritis, osteoarthritis combined with periarthritis of the elbow and knee joints, as well as stage I chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (dust bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema), with grade I–II pulmonary insufficiency.

According to an MSEC certificate dated March 7, 2023, the plaintiff was assigned a 65% permanent loss of working capacity due to occupational disease and granted Group III disability. As a result, his normal life activities were disrupted, and the prolonged treatment prevents him from leading a full life. He experiences constant physical pain and suffering, as well as psychological distress due to the irreversible impact of his condition.

The plaintiff argued that his occupational diseases resulted from the employer’s failure to ensure safe working conditions and sought UAH 520,000 in moral damages.

The court ruled:

The claim against PJSC “Sukha Balka” for compensation for moral damage caused by health impairment is partially satisfied.

PJSC “Sukha Balka” shall pay the plaintiff UAH 250,000 in moral damages, without deduction of personal income tax or other mandatory payments.

PJSC “Sukha Balka” shall also pay court fees to the state in the amount of UAH 2,500.