A factory worker has been awarded a four-figure compensation settlement after contracting dermatitis as a result of his exposure to chemicals at work.
Graham Taylor, an employee of Mahle Filter Systems based in Halesfield, Telford, needed to give up playing golf and going swimming for three months after he contracted occupational dermatitis as a result of his work.
Mr Taylor works as a machine operator at the firm, in a role which requires him to weld together certain components and dip seals in potentially hazardous solutions as part of his day-to-day job.
However, when Mr Taylor started to notice that he was developing a painful skin disease, he contacted his union, Unite and launched a legal case against the company.
Unite argued that Mahle had failed to sufficiently protect the 62-year-old by not providing him with the correct gloves, which would have protected his skin from the P80 solution he was handling.
Quintin Hasler, Partner at Russell Worth solicitors, said: “This case is a clear example of where sufficient safety measures have not been followed to prevent workers from developing painful occupational diseases like dermatitis.
“Dermatitis is a condition which can cause sufferers much pain and discomfort, which symptoms including blisters, rash, dry and cracked skin. Itchy skin is very common in sufferers and this can become very painful, with some people suffering stinging and burning.
“The pain and discomfort suffered by Mr Taylor could have been easily avoided if Mahle had taken the correct procedures to protect him.”
The company have now altered their procedures, meaning that going forwards staff will be sufficiently protected when they are dealing with hazardous chemicals.
If you or a member of your family has developed a skin condition as a result of your work then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Give our team a call to discuss your case on 0800 122 310 or contact us online here. You can also request a call back at a time convenient for you here.