Now Lawyers Call For Improvements To Health And Safety To Cut Accident Numbers

A plater from Barnsley is lucky to be alive after a machine at work dragged him through a hatch in the wall just 20cm wide leaving him with serious injuries including a smashed hip, broken arm and torn bowel muscles.

Matthew Lowe, 25, from Barnsley, was asked to work on a large saw and drill machine while working at Compass Engineering in Barnsley, but as he was using the machine a lifting arm grabbed his overalls and dragged him through a small hatch in the wall only 20cm high.
 
He suffered a broken arm and nerve damage to arm, torn bowel, fractured rib, fractures to his vertebrae, smashed hip joints and psychological injuries which have caused nightmares and flashbacks.

His employers Compass Engineering and the German company that installed the conveyor system, used for moving heavy steel beams, are due to face magistrates in Barnsley today with the case expected to be adjourned for a month.

They are accused of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act over claims that the machine did not have a safety guard to protect workers from moving parts.

Work place injury specialists at law firm Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Lowe welcome the actions of the Health and Safety Executive and said more needs to be done to cut accidents at work.

Sally Rissbrook, a workplace injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This was a horrific accident. This has been an extremely distressing experience for Mr Lowe, but there is also a wider issue that needs to be addressed.

“Far too many people are injured each year through no fault of their own while they are carrying out their normal duties at work.

“Many of these cases would have been avoided if businesses had followed simple health and safety procedures. More must be done to protect workers and make sure companies comply with regulations. We have repeatedly called for improvements in safety standards and will continue to campaign for the rights of the victims we represent.

“After the suffering Mr Lowe has gone through, it is crucial that he is able to access the care he needs in order to help him recover and rebuild his life.

“Not only has he suffered extreme physical injury but he has also suffered from the psychological impact associated with such an ordeal. It is now vital that he receives the necessary specialist care and rehabilitation, and hopefully this expert help will make a huge difference to his recovery and quality of life.”

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious back or spinal cord injury at work, our specialist serious injury solicitors could help you to claim compensation. Visit our Spinal Injury Compensation Claims page or Workplace Accident Claims page for more information.