When we think of a fireman getting hurt in an accident at work, we tend to think of burns or breathing difficulties caused by fighting a fire or rescuing a stranded party. However, in the last three months, eight injured firefighters from one fire service have been awarded £150,000 in work accident compensation for some very different kinds of injuries.
One of the firemen at the Greater Manchester Fire Service (GMFS) was awarded £5,000 in work accident compensation… after hurting his finger while putting on a glove. The ‘broken’ glove caused the fireman to slice a tendon in his finger on a piece of stray fibre.
Another firefighter received a £20,000 payout when the water from a burst hose sent him flying, knocked him over and seriously injured his knee while he was performing a training exercise. £6,000 was awarded to a fireman who hit his head while climbing into the fire engine, while others have put in claims for scalds from a broken shower and a burn caused, not by a burning building, but by hot fat.
The largest amount paid out was £25,005 to a worker who was hit by metal sheeting which then caused him to hurt his neck and shoulder.
Although GMFS stated that payouts for such injuries were inevitable because the firefighters were willing and expected to take so many risks during the course of their job. However, Fire Brigades Union chiefs encouraged the service to provide firefighters with better equipment and training.
If you’ve had an accident at work that was not your fault, no matter what line of work you’re in, you should contact a personal injury solicitor to see if you have the right to claim for compensation. Employers should provide you with an environment, training and equipment to do your job safely and failure to do so can cause serious injury.
For more information please visit – www.phclaw.com/personal-injury-claims/accidents-at-work.html
