Joiner seeks compensation over fall injuries

A joiner who sustained injuries when he fell down a manhole on a building site is seeking compensation.

Luke Ward was performing his duties on the site of a B&Q store in Rotherham when the incident occurred, South Yorkshire paper the Star reports.

The 19-year-old stepped on a piece of plywood which was covering the drop.

He fell 20ft, suffering damage to a ligament and tendon. He also had a rib injury, neck strain and cuts and had to be taken to Rotherham Hospital - which is situated two miles south of the town centre.

Although he shouted for help, no one heard and he had to drag himself out.

Commenting on the case, Mr Ward said: "The manhole was not marked as a hazard and there was no way of telling it was there."

He added that, even though he is now back at work, he still experiences pain and cannot operate for long periods of time.