Bus driver compensated following slip on ice
A Unite member who suffered a dislocated shoulder following an accident at work has been awarded compensation with the help of Unite Legal Services.
Paul Ashby, who is employed as a bus driver for First Group in Halifax, had just finished his shift and as he was walking through the bus station, he slipped on some ice and fell.
Paul was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital, where investigations revealed that he had dislocated his left shoulder and sprained the muscles and ligaments in his neck. He was given morphine and his shoulder was re-set. He also required stitches on his left eyebrow and a course of physiotherapy.
Unite Legal Services made a claim for compensation
Paul instructed Unite Legal Services to pursue a claim on his behalf against his employer. Investigations revealed that there were numerous health and safety failures. There were no signs and the area was not gritted. It was revealed that although the owners of the bus station, Metro, had been informed on numerous occasions that the bus station was unsafe due to ice, no action was taken.
Settlement
Metro later admitted liability and a final settlement figure of £12,661 was offered, which was accepted.
Mr Ashby said: “I’m very grateful to Unite Legal Services for their support throughout the legal process. I should never have suffered an injury because of my job but I’m glad I had the backing of my trade union to make sure I was compensated for my employer’s lack of consideration for my safety.”
Karen Reay, North East Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary of Unite the Union, said: “An accident at work that results in an injury is a horrible experience. By pursuing his claim through Unite Legal Services, he has received 100% of his compensation for an injury that he should never have suffered, and his employer has rightfully been held solely to account.”
