In February 2019, Manchester Magistrates Court fined Lancashire County Council after several employees carrying out work in the highways department developed a debilitating nerve condition as a result of failure to control exposure to vibration.
Regular use of vibrating tools causes the painful and disabling disorder which, in this case, has left the employees with nerve damage to the hands and arms, making everyday tasks and leisure activities difficult or impossible. A further ten cases of vibration- related ill-health, unrelated to the RIDDOR report, were uncovered and reported late. Four more reports were also filed, but these were on time.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there had been insufficient supervision and monitoring by the council to ensure that operatives accurately recorded their levels of exposure to vibration. Lancashire County Council of County Hall, Fishergate, Preston pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 2 (1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 8 of the RIDDOR Regulations 2013. The Council was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,366,78.
The employees will be entitled to claim compensation as well as access to help and rehabilitation for their injuries.
Compensation will not just be limited to money for injuries but should include loss of earnings, pension loss, physiotherapy and/or any other rehabilitation, as well as and aids and appliances that he may need to help him recover.
If you have suffered an accident at work as a result of negligence on behalf of your employer, then get in touch with our specialists today.
We can help guide you through the process, on a no win, no fee basis.
We will deduct a maximum of 25% from your compensation at the end of the claim for our success fee. This is deducted to reflect the risk we take as a business in running the claims on a no win no fee basis and paying for your reports, court fees etc upfront on your behalf.
If you would like to know more or would like to make a claim then get in touch with our specialist solicitors now:
Call: 0151 306 3694
Email: ab@phoenixlegalsolicitors.co.uk