Worker may seek further damages after amputation

A construction worker may be advised to take legal action after a workplace accident led to him having to undergo surgery to amputate his leg.

Mr Alan Seviour's foot was crushed during an incident at his workplace - John Wainwright & Co - in 2008 when the employee, who worked as a driver, was helping out with some relief road work.

The problem arose when Mr Seviour's foot became trapped between a speed bump and a bar on the machine, which he had been cleaning. The injury was so severe that the worker had to have the lower part of his leg removed surgically.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - which is the nation's independent watchdog on work-related health, illness and safety issues - conducted an investigation on the incident and found that the employer was guilty of breaching two sections of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act.

John Wainwright & Co. was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay more than £8,000 in costs, but Mr Seviour may wish to take the case further.

Posted by Craig Williams

26/07/2010 11:25