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News Desk | News Story
24th September 2009
Crush victim’s solicitors welcome court decision
Machinery weighing 80kg fell on top of worker
The employers of a man who suffered horrific crushing injuries when an 80 kilo piece of machinery fell on top of him were sentenced for their breaches of health and safety legislation at Southwark Crown Court today (Thursday, September 24, 2009).
Joseph Pathmananthan, 61, of Sutton in Surrey was told he would lose his legs following the accident at Cannon Hygiene Ltd (part of the OCS Group) in October 2007.
Fortunately they were saved after six operations, but Joseph has had to relearn how to walk.
Object fell from 20ft above onto worker
He was inspecting an industrial washing machine when the heavy machinery fell on top of him from 20ft above.
OCS Group pleaded guilty to breaches of section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The firm was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs.
Joseph suffered from fractures to both femurs, his right tibia, ribs and spine. He also had a fractured left shoulder blade and injuries to his lungs.
He started relearning how to walk in March 2008 and by May that year was able to walk for a maximum of 10 minutes.
He is still in a lot of pain and may face further surgery on his injuries.
Employers must provide a safe workplace for their employees
Mr Pathmananthan’s solicitor, Henrietta Phillips from Thompsons Solicitors said: “We welcome today’s decision and hope it comes as a sharp reminder to employers to make sure they provide a safe workplace for their employees.
“Mr Pathmananthan’s life has been completely turned upside down by this accident. His bravery and determination to walk again are a credit to him and his family.
"We are pursuing a claim for compensation on his behalf for not only the horrific injuries but the losses he has suffered and expenses he has incurred in his fight to walk again."
This news story was also published by Wandsworth Guardian.
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