A Mansfield-based cleaner has been awarded a £12,000 compensation payout after he fell while carrying a heavy piece of equipment at work.
Arkadiusz Chmiel, who originates from Poland, was carrying a 30kg sawbuck when he slipped over and twisted his knee in an effort to avoid the falling equipment.
Mr Chmiel, as a result of the accident, required crutches, physiotherapy and was unable to return to work for several weeks.
His union, GMB, were quick to act. They instructed their injury lawyers to investigate the possibilities for a compensation claim, and they brought in Dominika Tyszkowska, who speaks Polish and was able to act as a translator between Mr Chmiel and the legal team.
The investigation revealed the floor, which should have been painted with anti-slip paint, was coated with conventional floor paint, and the solicitors claimed this was the underlying cause of the accident and the business was at fault.
Timbet Door Solutions settled the claim out of court with Mr Chmiel and his legal team after admitting liability for his accident.
Mr Chmiel, speaking about his ordeal, said: “After the accident I lost a lot of wages because the pain in my knee was so bad I couldn’t work.
“I was uncertain what my rights were and decided to contact the GMB for help.
“They put me straight in touch with … solicitors and provided me with help from Dominika who could explain the process in Polish. Without the GMB’s help I’m not sure what I would have done.”
