Work accident news
16/12/2011

Hants man wins payout for work-related injury

A Hampshire man who came close to losing his sight in a work-related accident has won compensation from the companies involved.

Now the 42-year-old hopes his work injury story will raise awareness among other employers.

The former drainage engineer was hurt whilst carrying out lorry repairs at a hydraulics servicing centre in Fareham, Hampshire.

A hose used to clear the jetting system on his vehicle flew out of control and struck him in the face, causing serious damage to his right eye.

He needed laser surgery to repair his retina and had to have his iris stitched back together after the work accident, in June 2008.

"It felt like somebody had hit me in the head with a hammer," he said.

"I constantly worry that my sight will disappear altogether one day, which is a terrifying thought to live with.

"I hope employers sit up and listen to my story and do everything they can to keep their workers safe."

His personal injury lawyer said the accident at work had ‘a devastating impact' on his client's life.

"If he had been provided with adequate safety equipment while carrying out this task, his injury may have been avoided," he told reporters.

Other UK employers should ‘take note of this case and do all they can' to prevent further work-related accidents, he added.