A school caretaker, who needed surgery after suffering a hernia from lifting a heavy room divider, has received compensation, with help from UNISON.
Alan Thomas, from South Kirby, near Pontefract, was off work for two months following corrective surgery in November 2007.
The 43-year-old, based at Common Road Infant School, in Kirkby, was moving the divider so he could clean and polish a classroom floor when he was injured.
Following the operation, UNISON advised Mr Thomas to pursue a claim and he received £3,471.
The schoolÕs Local Education Authority, Wakefield Council, admitted negligence and settled the claim out of court.
Mr Thomas said:
ÒI am pleased to have received compensation for the pain and suffering the hernia caused.
ÒSchools should take into account how difficult it is to lift heavy equipment and put measures in place to stop injuries.
ÒI am now back at work, but I will have to be careful with my health for the rest of my life.Ó
Cliff Williams, UNISONÕs Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Secretary, said:
ÒIt is only right that Mr Thomas receives compensation for the pain and discomfort that he has suffered.
ÒThis accident could so easily have been prevented.
ÒHe should have received help from a colleague with moving the divider and he could have been provided with mechanical work equipment to assist with the manoeuvre.
ÒEmployers must stop these preventable injuries by carrying out risk assessments and training.Ó
Keely Goldup, from Thompsons Solicitors, said:
ÒIt is the responsibility of any employer – in this case Wakefield Council – to make sure there are systems in place so that jobs are performed safely and in this case they failed to do so.
ÒWhile Mr ThomasÕ hernia has been resolved it was an uncomfortable injury which needed surgery followed by a significant period of rehabilitation.Ó