A bin man, who seriously injured his shoulder while collecting rubbish for
recycling, has received £57,000 in compensation.
UNISON member Alan Shambrook tripped on a raised paving slab in July
2005, while working for Stevenage Borough Council.
The 55-year-old, who lives with his wife in Stevenage, was collecting the
recycling boxes in Archer Road, when he fell badly on his left knee, shoulder
and elbow.
He had to have two operations on his shoulder, take 15 months off work and
has been left unable to do a number of activities, including heavy lifting and
swimming.
Mr Shambrook has since had to take a lesser-paid job driving a road sweeper
due to his disabilities.
The grandfather was awarded compensation from Hertfordshire County
Council at Luton Crown Court.
He said:
ÒI am pleased to have been awarded compensation, but the injury has been
extremely painful and has changed my life dramatically.
ÒAfter the accident I had keyhole surgery, but this did not work, so I had to
have painful open surgery.
ÒMy wife has been left to lift her disabled mother on her own, I am unable to
take my grandson to our regular swimming sessions and I have had to give
up golf.
ÒI also had to stop my recycling duties and take a lesser-paid job driving a
road sweeper, which has hit me financially.Ó
UNISONÕs Regional Secretary in the South East region, Phil Wood, said:
ÒIt is only right that Mr Shambrook received compensation for the pain that
he has suffered.
ÒThis accident could so easily have been prevented.
ÒSadly, he will continue to suffer as he is unable to do things he took for
granted before, like playing with his grandson.
ÒAnd he has been forced to take a job that pays him less.Ó
Rachel Bayliss, from Thompsons Solicitors, said:
ÒHertfordshire County Council has a responsibility to ensure its pavement and
highways are in good order.
ÒThe council failed to maintain and repair this pavement and, as a result, Mr
Shambrook suffered a nasty fall.
ÒIt had a huge impact on his life and, most dramatically, on his employment
opportunities.Ó