£17,500 in compensation for fall
A bakery worker who fell from an unsafe ladder at work, has received £17,500 in accident compensation claims.
The 28-year-old from Newcastle, was using the ladder and a broom to clean sensors on a piece of machinery when it slipped and he fell to the floor.
As a result of the accident he was unable to do heavy work for two years and is still unemployed.
The accident, which happened in April 2006, caused a serious back injury which needed prolonged physiotherapy.
Since the bakery closed down he has found it impossible to find another job at the same pay level and is unable to do any heavy lifting.
His injury lawyers argued that the bakery was using an unsafe arrangement where employees had to climb the ladder with a broom and then lean over a conveyor belt to clean the sensors.
The owner of the bakery chain admitted liability and his injury lawyers were able to secure a settlement.
The victim said: “It is a great relief to have this compensation. Now I am able to return to work I have had to apply for less skilled jobs where no heavy lifting was needed. As a result I’ve found it difficult to get back into employment.”
Updated on 25/12/2009