A factory worker has received £100,000 in compensation after being left with permanent eye damage when a corrosive chemical dripped onto his face.

The Bradford GMB member has been left with reduced sight in his right eye following the accident in November 2005 at Ciba Speciality Chemicals Ltd in Low Moor.

The company makes chemicals used in a number of products including water sterilizing treatments.

The accident happened when Sodium Hydroxide leaking from a broken pipe dripped onto his eye causing permanent corneal damage. His eyelid turned inwards and he needed surgery to remove the hair follicles.

The 59-year-old, who already suffered from poor sight in his left eye since birth, suffers from excessive dryness in the injured eye and he can no longer safely drive at night.

Accident resulted in early retirement

Following the accident he was forced to take early retirement. He contacted his union which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue accident compensation.

Ciba Speciality Chemicals admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.

The GMB member said: “The damage to my right eye was crucial because I had suffered from poor sight in my left eye since birth. Had my eye not recovered to the extent it has I would have been left virtually blind.

“I have learned to live with my poor sight but it has affected my confidence. I won’t drive at night and I have had to take early retirement.”

Tim Roache from the GMB said: “This accident was caused by the employer failing to introduce a robust inspection programme to make sure its pipes were maintained. All employers, particularly those working with dangerous chemicals, must ensure they take all the necessary steps to keep their employees safe.”

Michael Disken from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Sodium Hydroxide is a dangerous and highly corrosive chemical. A burn to the eye causes permanent damage and can cause blindness. Our client was fortunate he has been able to recover some of his sight, but that does not make up for the fact that he must now live with this disability for the rest of his life.”