A welder who has been left with a large scar on his shin after a workplace accident has received a sum in compensation after help from his trade union.

Richard Parry, 45, from Newport was left with the two inch by one inch scar in the shape of a tick on his shin after lacerating it against the sharp metal framework of a train base whilst working for Corus.

Corus had failed to provide steps to help workers move within the 20ft by 40ft train base they were building. Workers had no choice but navigate the dimly lit area by stepping over parts of the razor sharp base to get to the area they were working on.

Scar left after accident

Mr Parry needed 12 stitches and has been left with a large and obvious scar. He also suffered a shoulder injury which needed surgery.

He said: "It was horrifically painful when it happened. Fortunately it has healed well but I've still been left with this scar. I'm very aware of it particularly when I go swimming because it is so obvious."

Mr Parry was forced to take six weeks off work following the accident. He was later, unrelated to his injury, made redundant and is now retraining to be a teacher.

Following the accident Corus provided steps to make it safer for workers to access their working areas. Lighting in the area was also improved.

Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation

After the accident Mr Parry contacted his trade union, the GMB, which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation. Thompsons argued that Corus should have provided safe ways for workers to access their work area.

Corus admitted 80% liability and settled the claim out of court.

Nick Hughes, Regional Legal Officer at the GMB said: "After Mr Parry's accident Corus provided steps to make the area safer but it was like shutting the gate after the horse had bolted - the damage had already been done. This was an accident waiting to happen. The train base was extremely sharp and I am surprised that an injury like this didn't occur sooner because of the unsafe working practices which were in place."

Clare Nash from Thompsons Solicitors added: "Mr Parry was fortunate that his injuries have healed well but he has been left with a prominent scar on his shin which will be with him the rest of his life. There were numerous ways Corus could have made the train base safer for its workers but it ignored the obvious problems until it was too late."