Sellafield Worker Receives Seven-Figure Sum Following Workplace Accident

A 64-year-old mechanical fitter has received a seven-figure payout after suffering serious injuries in an occupational accident.

Kenneth Brown of Workington was involved in a collision with a cherry picker vehicle, leaving him with severe crush injuries that resulted in his left leg being amputated above the knee.

He was working for Johnson Controls, which had been subcontracted to the Sellafield site.

The company admitted to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, although its legal representatives maintained that Mr Brown was partially to blame for the incident.

Nevertheless, a settlement was agreed, with the injured party receiving full damages.

Mr Brown, a member of the Unite union, had been walking along a roadway when the cherry picker - which was being operated by an employee of Johnson Controls - moved forward and knocked him over.

An improvement notice was subsequently issued to the organisation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which suggested that employees acting as banks-people for a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) must receive adequate training.

It emerged that prior to the accident, the only advice that banks-people and drivers received from the company was to wear a high visibility jacket. The team had been working in this way for at least 14 months before the incident.

The HSE has specific guidelines for the use of MEWPs and has run a number of awareness raising campaigns in the past, which explained what people need to look out for when using cherry pickers and other lifting machines.

Commenting on the case, Unite regional secretary Mick Whitley said the employer had ignored fundamental health and safety procedures.

"It is completely unacceptable for an employer to shirk responsibility and try to blame the injured worker in any case," he remarked.

"I'm pleased we have been successful in securing such a significant level of damages for our member, although this can never compensate for his traumatic ordeal of losing a leg in a workplace accident."

Our serious injury claims team could help you claim compensation if you have suffered an injury at work that resulted in the amputation of a limb. Visit our Amputation Claims page or Accident at Work Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

It is staggering that employees of Johnson Controls had been working in this manner for 14 months without training. <br/> <br/>“The injuries Mr Brown sustained and subsequent amputation highlight the devastating consequences of workers being unaware of health and safety issues and how to keep themselves and colleagues safe. <br/> <br/>“We see time and time again the huge impact accidents at work through a lack of training can have on individuals and their family’s lives. Many are left needing long-term rehabilitation, care and are unable to return to work due to the nature of their injuries. <br/> <br/>“We hope this case acts as a stark reminder to the construction industry of the importance of thorough training to ensure a safe work environment for all.” <br/>