A factory worker whose hand was crushed when it got dragged into machinery has received £300,000 in accident compensation.
The man was left with permanent disabilities following the incident at the paper manufacturing firm where he worked. He was trying to fix a machine in June 2008 when his sleeve became caught, dragging his hand and arm into the rollers.
He had to be taken to hospital by ambulance and reported seeing his hand swell up “like a boxing glove” and turning green and bloody. He said he remembered cutting wires to free his arm from the machine.
The worker suffered friction burns and torn nerves and he needed several skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. He still has crushed nerves in one arm meaning he can’t grip properly and can’t take up another manual job, although he has now found alternative work.
The employer admitted liability for the accident but said the worker had chosen to work alone and contravene company safety policies. It commented that it regretted any injury caused to employees. Since the accident the employer has installed safety guards on machinery to further protect worker safety.