Chair injury at work

Nearly £80,000 has been awarded to a train driver after the chair that he was sitting on collapsed, leaving him unable to work.

Martin Syms was left with serious back injuries as he landed heavily on his back and left him in agony.

The 51 year old was awarded the money from Arriva Trains Wales after he was forced to retire when physiotherapy and injections failed to stop the pain.

Mr Syms had been talking with colleagues in the mess room at Cardiff Central Station whilst on a break when the chair collapsed.

David Urpeth, a Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "This sad case demonstrates that accidents at work sometimes occur during rest periods and meal breaks. Providing the employee is at work, employees owe a duty of care to provide a safe place and a safe system of work.

"I deal with many industrial accidents where workers have been injured in circumstances that could and should have been avoided."

If you have been injured at work, you may be able to claim accident at work compensation.