Three UK companies have been ordered to pay a total of £283,332 after a worker was paralysed in an accident.

The work accident compensation claim occurred when the claimant was working on a refurbishment project at the plant in a refinery in Cheshire. The worker was removing part of the concrete lining of the ‘cracker’ unit, where crude oil is turned into various chemical components. The court heard that the incident was caused by the materials being suspended above a walkway.

The claimant, a father of three who had been working in the industry since 1991, was struck by a container carrying 500kg of waste materials fell 30 feet and landed on top of him. He suffered multiple injuries including a broken back, two broken legs, and a broken pelvis.

Commenting on his accident, the defendant said:

“I can’t remember anything about what happened. Half a dozen people had gone into the building before me but then, as I went in, the waste materials fell on top of me.

“It was touch and go at first but thanks to the doctors I survived. Now I have to get on with my life in a wheelchair. I have a simple message for all companies – safety has to be paramount.”

The court heard how the claimant had led an active life before the accident, including running two children’s football teams. However, since the accident he is now confined to a wheelchair and is coming to terms with a very different future.

In court, the oil company pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 8(1)(c) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, which states:

“Every employer shall ensure that every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is carried out in a safe manner.”

Commenting on the accident, a Health and Safety Executive inspector said that the incident was “totally avoidable” and that it had had a “devastating impact” on the claimant and his family.

The inspector added:

“The scaffolding should have been constructed so that the lifting equipment was away from areas where people had to walk. The landing area should also have been suitably protected.

“This case clearly demonstrates why it’s so important for companies to put the safety of their employees first.”

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