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11th February 2009
Royal Opera House compensates employee
Severe long term back pain
A Royal Opera House employee who hurt his back while preparing the stage for a performance has received a substantial sum in compensation.Charles Spencer, 66, from South London has been left with severe long term back pain following the accident at the famous venue.
Stage lighting technician Charles, who is now retired, damaged his lower back when helping a colleague to move a trolley carrying 12 rolls of linoleum from the stage.
The lino is normally used to line the stage for ballet but is removed for other performances. On this occasion Charles was helping to prepare the stage following a performance of Das Rheingold.
Damaged back whilst pushing trolley
The trolley was left in the wrong place and when Charles helped a colleague to push it he damaged his back. It usually takes two men to lift just one roll of lino.
Following the accident Charles decided to contact his union, Bectu which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation.
The Royal Opera House settled the claim out of court.
Charles said: “I am relieved that this claim has been settled because the compensation has helped me to buy equipment to help me cope with my back injury. I still suffer a lot of pain from my back.
“Whilst I was responsible for stage lighting I pitched in to help a colleague push the trolley. Everyone helps each other when preparing the stage and I didn’t think twice about it. If we had carried out a risk assessment before pushing the trolley perhaps I wouldn’t be injured today.”
Health and Safety Strategy
Willy Donaghy, supervisory official for BECTU’s arts and entertainment division added: “Back injuries can be painful and debilitating. Employers must ensure staff are trained in lifting techniques or work out ways to avoid situations like the one faced by Charles. A well thought out plan and risk assessment should have been in place to make sure the trolley was moved safely.”
Anita Rattan from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Employers should have a written policy as part of an overall health and safety strategy which addresses the risks their workers face. Mr Spencer’s long term health and enjoyment of his retirement has been affected by an injury which could easily have been avoided.”
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered a personal injury at work, 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 compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a 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.
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