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News Desk | News Story
3rd December 2008
GMB secures £10,000 for branch secretary
Back Injury caused by attempting to lift heavy object
Leading trade union GMB has secured £10,000 for a mechanical fitter and union branch secretary from Cumbria who suffered a slipped disc whilst attempting to lift a half tonne stainless steel end cover.
The compensation was secured with help from leading trade union law firm Thompsons Solicitors.
Gerard Mayne, aged 55, is from Maryport in Cumbria. He is still employed by Eastman Chemicals of Workington. On the day of the accident, Mr Mayne was manually moving a half tonne stainless steel end cover hanging from lifting gear away from a walkway along the side of a machine when he injured his back.
No running beams or electric lift to make job easier
Mr Mayne explains: “I was working with a colleague to remove a machine as it had broken down. It was 20 feet long with a huge stainless steel shaft running through. We pulled it backwards away from its position; we couldn’t leave it in the gangway as this was a main walkway. It was so heavy and there were no purpose built running beams or electric lift which would have make the job easier and less hazardous. The next morning I felt twinges in my lower back and by the Sunday, I couldn’t get out of bed at all, it was so painful.”
“I was so preoccupied that I never put this accident in the Accident Book even though I am a Shop Steward for GMB. I was extremely concerned about the need for an operation and whether or not I would ever be able to get back to work. I’m so grateful for the help and support GMB and Thompsons have given me. It was a difficult case and they pursued it aggressively.”
Risk Assessment should have been carried out
Tom Brennan from the GMB, said: “Gerard Mayne’s case proves that even union men can get it wrong. We would urge all employees to join their trade union so they can get the support they require at their time of need.”
Representing Gerard Mayne, Hazel Webb from Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle, added: “If Eastman Chemicals had carried out a risk assessment and provided permanent lifting gear , Mr Mayne’s injuries could have been avoided. To begin with the Defendants denied liability. We then issued court proceedings and put forward a compromise offer which they accepted.”
This news story was also published by Times & Star.
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.
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