04.02.2020
Man Highlights Importance Of Workplace Safety After Developing Hearing Problems
A builder from Bradford who suffered a serious head injury in a fall at work has spoken out on how his day-to-day life has been affected following the accident.
Richard Scatchard, 43, was working on a site run by Redmond Group (Yorkshire) Ltd in Bradford in February 2017 when he fell around 20 feet to the ground from the top of a ladder while accessing a platform erected by SKN Scaffolding Building and Roofing Ltd.
He suffered a fractured skull, a bleed and bruising to the brain and nerve damage. Despite extensive treatment he continues to endure ongoing symptoms including impaired hearing, tinnitus, hyper-sensitivity to loud sound and balance problems.
Following the incident, Richard instructed a local solicitor, who was unable to progress his claim. He has recently moved to specialist workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access vital funds to support his recovery.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found both Redmond and SKN had contravened work at height regulations on the site.
Richard has now joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in using Tinnitus Awareness Week in urging companies to uphold health and safety regulations and speaking about the lasting impact that workplace accidents can have.
Expert Opinion
“Through our work, we have seen first-hand how falls and accidents at work can have a huge impact on so many people.
It is often easy to underestimate the impact that tinnitus may have but around 600,000 people in the UK suffer with the condition to such an extent that it affects their quality of life.
Richard’s case is undoubtedly an important reminder on the issue of workplace safety, but it also puts a spotlight on how hearing problems can affect an individual and why it is vital that such people can access specialist support.
We are determined to ensure Richard can get the help he requires.”
David King - Associate Solicitor
Richard did not lose consciousness after his fall but he almost immediately became aware of a loud sound in his head. His tinnitus has gone on to affect him in a number of ways, particularly when he is out and about. With Tinnitus Awareness Week taking place this month, he is keen to highlight how the condition has affected him.
He said: “My life has changed a lot since my fall. I have developed a sound like a high-pitched ringing noise and my hearing in general is really poor in environments with lots of background chatter, like pubs or restaurants. It has really affected my confidence in social situations. It has also affected my sleep.
Richard, who is married to Jodie and has two children, has tried a range of equipment as he looks to alleviate some of his hearing issues. He has trialled NHS hearing aids and has also been recommended life tip aids with in-built sound generators. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy may also prove beneficial, while he may also make use of a pillow with a sound generator.
He added: “While nothing will change what has happened to me, I hope my case acts as a reminder to employers on the issue of workplace safety. It is incredible to think that the fall I suffered is still affecting me three years on and I would hate for others to go through what I have.”
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