A foundry worker who suffered 65% burns during a spillage of molten metal has received a substantial sum in compensation.

The 28-year-old from Horwich suffered extensive burns to his legs, feet, arms, hands and torso and was put into a medically induced coma following the accident at PMT Industries in Tonge Moor in January 2008. Since then he has needed more than 20 reconstruction operations.

At one point his legs were so severely damaged specialists thought they would have to amputate. Fortunately they were able to save them in an eight hour operation.

On the day of the accident the Unite member was making a large cylinder known as a “Yankee Dryer Head”. Whilst pouring molten iron into a mould the ladle up-turned spilling the liquid onto the floor.

Engulfed in heat, steam and smoke

He was engulfed in heat, steam and smoke but was unable to escape because he couldn’t see and because the aluminium access ladder to the platform he was on had melted in the heat.

He is still receiving skin grafts and has needed considerable psychological support to deal with flashbacks and to come to terms with his injuries.

Fortunately he has made good physical recovery and is expected to be able to return to full time work in the future.

Pursue a claim for compensation

Following the accident he contacted his trade union, Unite, which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.

Thompsons argued that PMT Industries should have had safer systems in place to avoid this type of horrific accident from happening.

PMT denied liability but settled the claim out of court.

The member said: “I went to work as normal and within a couple of minutes my whole life was changed forever. I cannot describe the pain I have been through with countless operations and rehabilitation. The worst has been coping with the psychological impact of my injuries, which I’ve still not fully come to terms with.

“I’m grateful to my family and girlfriend for their support during the last two years and to the trade union and Thompsons for fighting my case on my behalf.”

Foundry workers worst nightmare

Kevin Coyne, Unite regional secretary, said: “This accident is the foundry workers worst nightmare. It is difficult to imagine the pain and suffering that our member suffered during the incident itself and during the many operations he has had to help his recovery.

“His good physical recovery is testament to his bravery and determination. We are proud to have supported him in his claim for compensation.”

Samantha Hemsley from Thompsons Solicitors added: “The impact of this accident will haunt our client and his family for the rest of their lives. Whilst he has made a good physical recovery his body will bear the scars of this incident forever.

“This was a difficult case to fight as PMT Industries refused to take responsibility for this accident but through hard work we are pleased to have been able to secure a substantial sum in compensation.”