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16th June 2006

Machine worker receives compensation following ladder accident

Leading trade union Amicus has secured over £77,000 for a member injured in a ladder accident at a South Wales heating firm.

Mr Alan Arthur, a moulding machine operator for Lectroheat Industrial Heating Limited, fractured his ankle in the accident at the company's Bedwas plant.

In March 2004, Mr Arthur, 51, of Abertridwr, Caerphilly, was using an eight foot ladder to retrieve a pattern board from the stores. He was standing on one of the top rungs of the ladder when, as he attempted to step down, he missed his footing and fell.

The issue was the lack of a proper height ladder. He should have been provided with either a longer ladder or a better system, such as a gantry, to access the boards. On 19 October 2004 the company admitted liability.

"Accidents happen, but when you've sustained a severe injury through no fault of your own it's important to seek compensation,” said Mr Arthur. “Unfortunately I will live with this injury for the rest of my life. I'm grateful to Thompsons Solicitors for helping to steer my case through to a satisfactory conclusion."

Bryan Godsell, Amicus Regional Officer, said: "Amicus is delighted that the case has been decided in Mr Arthur's favour. Once again we can demonstrate the relevance and importance of 21st Century Trade Union membership by showing that members of Amicus can depend upon expert Personal Injury Legal Representation in circumstances like this. All too often employers get away with murder when employees go to work without the protection that membership of a Trade Union like Amicus provides."

Eamonn McDonough, Mr Arthur's lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors in Cardiff, said: "Mr Arthur suffered a compound fracture to his left shin bone which was very painful. He was off work for eight months and has undergone extensive treatment to fix the fracture. He is left with very stiff movement of some of the bones in the ankle - arthritis is anticipated and within 10 years an operation to fuse the injured joint is likely."

This story was also covered on the icWales website.