Welder's £37,000 payout
A WELDER who was forced to retire after injuring his back at work has received more than £37,000 in compensation.
Kevin Hartley, aged 63, of Norton, Sheffield, needed surgery after the accident at a Network Rail Infrastructure depot.
He worked as a track welder for the firm for 34 years.
On the day of the accident in February 2006 he was lifting a heavy piece of equipment when he fell, causing a slipped disc in his back and damage to his sciatic nerve.
He was off work for months but, after returning to light duties, his condition became so bad he found it difficult to walk and he took early retirement.
Mr Hartley contacted the RMT to enquire about claiming compensation and the union instructed Thompsons Solicitors who settled the claim out of court.
He said: "I worked in that job for over 30 years but I will never be able to return to it. Some days I find just sitting still difficult, so I can't even do a desk job. This compensation comes as a great relief as it will pay for the private healthcare I received on my back. There was a long waiting list on the NHS and because I was in so much pain I decided it would be quicker to go private."
Bob Crowe, RMT general secretary, said: "Many of our members work in environments where moving heavy objects is a regular activity.
Employers should be aware of the risks involved and should take appropriate action to avoid injuries."
Tristram Sterry, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: "The employer failed to
comply with manual handling regulations or conduct an adequate risk assessment on the task.
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "It is a private matter between Network Rail and the individual."
She said it would be inappropriate to comment.
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