Tripped on footpath in bad condition
A tube train driver who tripped and fell has received almost £4000 in compensation after he badly injured his knee.
Luchiano Wijesuriya, 43, from Broxbourne, warned bosses on several occasions that the footpath used by Underground drivers at Loughton Sidings was poorly lit and in a bad condition before falling himself.
He tripped on a loose cable and fell on his right knee, exacerbating a previous injury. The accident caused a strain to his knee ligament and was the cause of pain and suffering.
Several weeks off work after accident
Mr Wijesuriya took several weeks off work and had his family holiday was ruined by the injury.
He contacted his union ASLEF which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
London Underground Limited admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.
Mr Wijesuriya said: “My colleagues and I had warned management about the pathway on three or four occasions before I got injured. I decided to pursue compensation because I was worried that there might be a more serious accident if the problem wasn’t sorted out.
“As soon as my union instructed Thompsons Solicitors work was undertaken to refurbish the access to Loughton Sidings.”
Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury in UK workplaces
ASLEF general secretary Keith Norman said: “Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury in UK workplaces. Avoiding falls should be a major priority for employers and their health and safety advisors.
"It should never have taken an accident like this to make the London Underground take action. They should be doing all they can to protect the health and safety of their staff."
Jyothi Bhurjee said: “London Underground has an obligation to ensure this pathway was safe for its employees to use, as well as making sure it was adequately lit. The fact that there had been complaints about the path before heightens their irresponsibility.
“Mr Wijesuriya was left dealing with the long term affects of his fall, it was only right he was compensated.”
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