by Kathryn Boast
21 September 2010
A binman could potentially make a work accident claim against his employers after being knocked unconscious and sustaining a head injury earlier this month.
The Northern Echo reported that the man, who has not been named, was crushed by the lifting mechanism at the back of the refuse lorry as it reversed into the lane in which he was standing.
Despite some worrying reports at the time, it is understood he was not seriously hurt, but is yet to return to work.
His employer, Darlington Borough Council is investigating the incident, which happened on 7th September at Salisbury Terrace, in the Denes area of Darlington, to establish its cause and minimise the possibility of it happening again.
A colleague of the man’s, who wished to remain anonymous, said:
"It reversed into him and crushed him against the wall. He suffered head injuries and had to have five or six staples in the head, and his chest was crushed as well."
The man attributed the cause of the accident to an increase in the pressures of work, something the council has moved to deny.