Work injury claim news
29/04/2009

Prosecution after machine topples and injures worker

A worker who was lucky to escape death when heavy machinery fell onto him while employed at a train maintenance depot, may now be able to make a work injury compensation claim

His employer was fined £30,000 and required to pay £27,500 in costs after admitting a breach of health and safety laws.

As a result of the case, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a national warning to companies, advising them to ensure adequate training is provided for moving heavy machinery safely.

The worker was moving part of a wheel lathe, used to help carry out refurbishment work on the wheels of rolling stock for railways.

The machine toppled over, trapping the worker who suffered personal injuries that included broken bones, back injuries and heavy bruising.

The HSE issued a statement saying employers must carry out suitable risk assessments to ensure work systems are safe.

It is not known if the injured worker has submitted a work injury compensation claim but after the successful prosecution of his employer, he is likely to be in a strong position to do so.