A man whose leg was crushed at work by a runaway trolley has received compensation with the help of his trade union.

Colin Fletcher, 45, from Immingham, North Lincolnshire, had to take eight months off work after he suffered a depressed fracture to his left tibia in the accident at Cape Industrial Services.

He was working on a contract to chemically clean boilers at Drax Power Station and was easing a heavy metal trolley full of equipment down a scaffolding ramp provided by Cape.

The ramp had no foot grips which would have helped him to control the trolley, as a result it started to run out of control, pinning him against a metal frame.

Thompsons Solicitors made personal injury claim for compensation

He needed an operation on his fractured leg, including a bone graft from his hip and a metal plate was inserted into his knee.

He needed intensive physiotherapy and was unable to bear weight on the leg for five months.

He has been left with ongoing pain in his leg and a five inch scar on his hip. Although he still works for Cape, he can no longer undertake the kind of heavy industrial work he is used to.

Following the accident he contacted his trade union, the GMB, for advice. The GMB instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.

Thompsons argued that Cape should have ensured the equipment it provided was suitable for the job and in good working order by making sure the ramp had foot grips.

Cape Industrial Services admitted liability and settled the claim out of court for £70,000.

Accident could easily have been avoided

Mr Fletcher said: ”I’m extremely worried about my future. The only work I know is manual labour and I’m no longer fit to do the type of job I’m experienced at.  At the moment I can continue on light duties. I don’t know what I’ll do if I ever need to find another job as I can no longer work in heavy industry.”

Andy Worth from the GMB added: “Many of our members work in heavy industry and rely on being fit and healthy to continue to do their work. This member has been badly injured in an accident which could have been easily avoided. Through no fault of his own he is now limited in the type of work he can do, having a huge financial impact on his life. It is only just that he is compensated for his employer’s negligence.”

Joanne Hankey from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Cape Industrial Services is a large employer which has years of experience in the industry. The inspection and maintenance of its work equipment should be second nature to this employer which routinely works in dangerous environments. It’s appalling that this ramp was allowed to be used when important safety features like foot grips were missing.”