A lawyer has cautioned businesses in the UK to provide employees with appropriate work equipment despite financial crises or strict time deadlines. The warning comes in the wake of a 25,000-pound compensation for a worker, who suffered a permanent injury to his hand due to the unavailability of a proper tool.

57-year-old Tom Offer from Essex had to undergo surgery on his right hand after he severed a tendon while working for DSV Road Ltd, a firm shipping tractors worldwide. Offer was given the task of dismantling a tractor so that it could be shipped. He required a hammer for the work, which was not given to him despite his requests. He was told to finish his work quickly so that the tractor could be loaded.

Offer was then forced to use a metal piece for the task. However, he did not know that a colleague had used the same piece to take apart the axle of another tractor, and that it had developed a jagged edge as a result.

The serrated edge of the metal piece pierced the glove of Offer’s right hand and severed his tendon. The injury was serious enough to force him out of work for three months. He also had to attend extensive physiotherapy sessions following the accident. Although the wounds on his hand have healed, he has suffered a permanent nerve damage due to which his right hand has become insensitive and cannot bear cold.

Offer has now resumed work as a driver, but fears he will not be able to work for long due to his handicap. He is also worried that he may not find another job if he loses his present job, given the present market condition.

Following the accident, Offer registered a complaint with his union, Unite, which asked its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to file a suit for compensation. DSV Road admitted their negligence in not providing proper work equipment and made a settlement out of court. For those responsible for health and safety in organisations, CPP Training can be of benefit in learning about the importance of promoting a positive health and safety culture in the workplace environment.