(09/10/2009)

Worker wins 17500 pounds from employers for shoulder injury

A decorator has won 17500 pounds in compensation from his employers after his shoulder was permanently damaged by using vibrating tools at work.

John Sides was working as a team leader for a cleaning products manufacturer in Barrow-in-Furness when he suffered the injury. He was using a hand-held grinder to remove paint from a floor.

After using the tool for two days Mr. Sides began to experience pain in his shoulder, and can now no longer lift his arm above shoulder height.

He had not used the tool before, and claims he was not given the appropriate training in order to learn how to use it correctly and safely.

Mr Sides contacted his union GMB, who instructed their lawyers to pursue a compensation claim on Mr Sides’ behalf against his employers.

Tom Brennan, regional secretary of GMB, said that Mr Sides was exposed to dangerous levels of vibration, and that the incident could easily have been avoided if his employers had taken more care to give him training on how to use the tool appropriately.

Mr Sides’ employers admitted negligence, and the case was settled out of court.

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