The economic downturn has seen companies cut down on costs by various means, including reducing expenses on equipments. However, this cost cutting can actually turn out to be more expensive, as was seen in a recent case when an employee of DSV Road Ltd, a company shipping tractors globally, was paid a compensation of 25,000 pounds by the employers due to an accident caused by the absence of proper tools at the workplace.

Thompsons Solicitors sued the company for compensation on behalf of the injured worker after they were handed the case by his union. The firm however admitted its responsibility for the accident and it paid damages to the worker in an out-of-court settlement.

The employee, Tom Offer, was taking a tractor apart for shipping, but he was not provided with a required tool in spite of his request. He was asked to work without the tool and had to use a piece of metal instead. The edge of the metal piece was jagged and it got into his right hand even though he was wearing safety gloves. He ended up severing a tendon, which required him to undergo an operation. He also had to attend an intensive physiotherapy session after it was diagnosed that he had suffered nerve damage.

Offer has now lost grip in his right hand. His hand has also become numb and incapable of handling cold.

Offer was forced to stay away from work for around three months while he was recuperating. He has now found work as a driver, though there is a possibility of him being unable to do this work as well. He fears that if he loses this job, he may not be able to earn a living or find an alternate job in the current period of recession.

Offer’s lawyer has now called upon companies to use proper tools at all times to avoid the recurrence of any such accident. Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues – click CIPD Course – for training to help Management manage safety and learn how to promote a positive health and safety attitude in the workplace.