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News Desk | News Story
30th March 2009
Firefighter in whiplash accident
Accident at Work
A training exercise led to a firefighter suffering from whiplash injuries after his employers ignored important health and safety advice.Fire Brigades Union (FBU) member James Attenborough from Kings Langley in Hertfordshire still suffers from neck pain after the accident which happened during a rope training exercise for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire fighters were trying out new equipment on the drill tower during which the firefighters were lowered on a harness to the ground to simulate the rescue of a casualty.
Mr Attenborough was being pulled back up the tower when he was dropped a short distance on three occasions causing his head to snap back.
The fire service was warned by a specialist fire safety trainer to ensure light weight climbing helmets were used during the exercise but none were provided on the day. Instead participants had to wear their heavier standard issue fire helmets.
Additionally those providing the rope training had not been fully trained in the safety and equipment requirements for the drill.
Following the accident Mr Attenborough contacted the FBU which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue compensation.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service admitted breach of duty and settled out of court.
Risk Assessments
Mr Attenborough said: “My neck has not yet fully recovered but I am back at work. It does get stiff at times and I have to be careful.
“I decided to get in touch with my union because I was concerned this type of accident would happen to someone else. We should be using the correct equipment at all times to ensure our safety and the safety of those we are trying to rescue.
“I felt the only way I could get this message across was by taking legal action. Fortunately we now have the correct equipment.”
Tony Smith from the FBU said: “This incident shows how important it is for employers to carry out a risk assessment and then to put it in action. The potential for this type of accident had already been highlighted to the Fire Service but no lightweight helmets were provided to prevent it from happening.”
Rachel Bayliss from Thompsons Solicitors added: “The Fire Service was in breach of work equipment regulations and failed to properly consider the risks involved in carrying out this training. They also provided the client with the wrong equipment, contrary to advice and training that had actually been provided to the Service by a specialist fire safety trainer.”
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury, illness or disease at work, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any accident compensation. 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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