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News Desk | News Story
17th August 2009
School Caretaker receives compensation for hernia
Injured whilst lifting heavy objects
A school caretaker, who needed surgery after suffering a hernia from lifting a heavy room divider, has received accident compensation, with help from UNISON.
Alan Thomas, from South Kirkby, near Pontefract, was off work for two months following corrective surgery in November 2007.
The 43-year-old, based at Common Road Infant School, in South Kirkby, was moving the divider so he could clean and polish a classroom floor when he was injured.
Following the operation, UNISON advised Mr Thomas to pursue a claim and he received £3,471.
Employers admitted liability and settled claim
The school’s Local Education Authority, Wakefield Council, admitted negligence and settled the claim out of court.
Mr Thomas said:
“I am pleased to have received compensation for the pain and suffering the hernia caused.
“Schools should take into account how difficult it is to lift heavy equipment and put measures in place to stop injuries.
“I am now back at work, but I will have to be careful with my health for the rest of my life.”
This accident could so easily have been prevented
Cliff Williams, UNISON’s Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Secretary, said:
“It is only right that Mr Thomas receives compensation for the pain and discomfort that he has suffered.
“This accident could so easily have been prevented.
“He should have received help from a colleague with moving the divider and he could have been provided with mechanical work equipment to assist with the manoeuvre.
“Employers must stop these preventable injuries by carrying out risk assessments and training.”
Employers must have systems in place so that jobs are performed safely
Keely Goldup, from Thompsons Solicitors, said:
“It is the responsibility of any employer - in this case Wakefield Council - to make sure there are systems in place so that jobs are performed safely and in this case they failed to do so.
“While Mr Thomas’ hernia has been resolved it was an uncomfortable injury which needed surgery followed by a significant period of rehabilitation.”
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered a personal injury at work after lifting a heavy object, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for manual handling compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a manual handling claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
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