A Unite member from Cheshire has been awarded a six-figure compensation sum after an accident at work caused him to suffer a disabling injury to his arm.
50-year-old Kevin was repairing a water tank in a barn loft of an agricultural firm, elevated 15 feet above the ground, when the accident occurred.
To access the tank, Kevin had to walk across metal girders that were just a few inches wide and carry a torch in his hand because the light was limited.
As he was walking, he lost his balance and fell two storeys from the girder to the floor below, dislocating his arm and fracturing his skull.
Kevin was airlifted to hospital and had surgery to insert pins into his wrist and a metal joint in his elbow. He remained in hospital for a month and needed a year off work to recover.
However, before he could return to work, he was made redundant and has since been unable to find full time employment. Doctors have also told him that further surgery may be needed on his arm.
Kevin contacted Unite Legal Services to a investigate compensation claim.
He said: “Although the accident happened more than two and a half years ago, I still need painkillers to ease the discomfort in my arm. Thankfully, the fracture to my skull healed well but I’m still limited in what I can do around the home. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to work full time again.
“I’m very grateful for the help and support that my union has given me. The compensation means that I don’t have to worry about my finances and can focus on my rehabilitation.”
Mick Whitley, North West regional secretary at Unite the Union, said: “This case is a stark reminder of the importance of health and safety in the workplace. It is completely unacceptable that this employer had our member work at considerable height without providing him with the appropriate safety equipment to prevent him from falling.
“Unite Legal Services secured substantial compensation for our member, ensuring that his employer was held to account for its negligence.”
