Welder compensated after hand injury
A welder has been awarded with tens of thousands of pounds, in compensation, after he sustained permanent damage to his hand.
The metal worker received £58,000 to compensate the personal injuries that he sustained after prolonged use of vibrating tools left his hands permanently damaged.
The worker, who is also a member of the Unite trade union and from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) after he found that he was unable to use his hands properly.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that leads to numbness and muscle weakness in the affected area. It can be caused by the prolonged use of vibrating tools and although the symptoms are permanent, they can be reduced if the person affected undergoes surgery.
The 56-year-old worker was first diagnosed with HAVS symptoms in 2004, during a routine examination by the nurse while working for Caparo Modular Systems Ltd.
Injured man remained in post
The firm, which is based in Willenhall, makes vehicle parts such as bonnets, tailgates and doors for car manufacture.
Although the worker was showing signs that he had the condition, he wasn't removed from the job and continued in the same role for a further 18 months.
Over that time his condition began to worsen so much that he was unable to do his job and was eventually moved into a different department where he no longer used vibrating tools.
He was later made redundant as part of cutbacks in his new department; although he has not been able to find alternative work.
Following the diagnosis he contacted the Unite union which instructed personal injury lawyers working with a legal firm, to pursue a claim for compensation on behalf of the injured man.
The firm admitted breach of duty and stated that they were liable for the man's personal injury. The claim was settled the out of court.
'My condition got worse'
The worker said: "I first noticed problems with my hands in 2004, but I was allowed to continue working in the same department doing the same job despite my problems. Over the next 18 months my condition got worse, but I wasn't moved until it became really serious."
The injured man went on to say: "I've now had surgery on my hands, which has helped, but the condition restricts what I can do especially during the winter. When the weather is cold my hands go numb. It's been difficult finding a job because I can no longer work in the job I have always done and been trained to do."
Eric McDonald from the trade union said: "HAVS and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can have a devastating impact on workers trained to use vibrating tools."
McDonald also said: "As this member has discovered, finding employment when you are suffering from this condition can be extremely difficult."
David Fisher, a spokesperson from the legal firm, also added: "Courts consider that since 1975 employers should have known the risk workers face when using vibrating tools on a regular basis."
Mr Fisher concluded by saying: "They expect precautions to be taken. Our client paid with his livelihood because the employer failed to keep a closer eye on his condition."
Updated on 09/12/2009