Injury from accident at work due to lack of training

A Rotherham man has been awarded £15,000 in an out-of-court settlement by his former employers after suffering a serious injury to his face which has resulted in permanent disfigurement.

His settlement was secured with help of David Urpeth, Partner at personal injury experts Irwin Mitchell, based at the firm's Riverside offices in Sheffield.

Sean Blanchard, 35, a married father of 2, of Sunnyside, Rotherham had been employed by Avery Berkel based in Sheffield, for 16 years. The accident occurred whilst Mr Blanchard was attempting to repair platform scales at Bedford Steels in Sheffield.

Mr Blanchard attempted to lift the scales with a crane but, due to inadequate training from his employers, he did this in a manner which resulted in the lifting equipment failing and Mr Blanchard being struck in the face by the lifting hook. He sustained deep lacerations to lip, chin and tongue requiring 45 stitches.

He said: "I was in immediate pain. I wasn't sure what had happened but felt two teeth loose in my mouth. When I put my hands to my mouth, I noticed I was bleeding a lot and knew I had been badly injured.

"I was rushed to hospital and underwent painful surgery to repair the damage to my face."

Leading accident at work solicitor comments

Commenting on the settlement, Mr Urpeth said: "Mr Blanchard was seriously injured in circumstances that should never have been allowed to occur.

"Companies owe a duty of care to staff and must ensure employees are adequately trained to carry out their jobs safely.

"In this case, Avery Berkel showed a blatant disregard for Mr Blanchard's health and Safety with the result that Mr Blanchard has suffered significant pain and suffering and been left with permanent facial disfigurement."

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