Case Study – Slipped on Oil at Work

Mr D works in an MOT test center as a receptionist. One of his duties involves taking deliveries from the reception area through to the workshop where the MOT’s are carried out. This area is often untidy and requires him to weave in and out of various tools, drums and containers. As he was walking through with a delivery, he slipped on oil causing him to fall heavily onto his back. The puddle of oil had been caused earlier that day, but had not been cleaned up.

Due to the accident, Mr D had to be taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with severe bruising to his back and concussion from banging his head on the concrete floor. The back injury made it extremely difficult for Mr D to walk and carry out his daily routines for several weeks, consequently requiring him to have 5 weeks off work. During this time Mr D underwent an extensive course of physiotherapy, which containing for several months.

Following the accident, Mr D contacted an injury lawyer who made a successful personal injury claim against against his employer. The compensation awarded helped to pay for additional physiotherapy sessions required and also made up for his loss of earning whilst being unable to work due to his injury.

The company Mr D worked for made several procedural changes to try to prevent similar accidents happening again in the future. This included implementing regular health and safety training and site checks, ensuring spill kits were available and used whenever oil or other liquids had been spilled, and enabling deliveries to be made directly into the workshop, so office staff no longer have to walk through this area.

Oliver McMullan, a local councillor who knows the McKeegan family, said the family would be absolutely “devastated” by the tragic news of Mark’s accident.

“He was their only boy in the home,” he said.

“They are a well respected family.

“He was a very quiet young boy who was an apprentice working.”

According to the police, Mark was hit by a car at around 3am on Sunday 30th August. At the time of the accident he was on the Cushendall Road, around one mile from the town. The police have reported that they are not treating the incident as a hit and run accident. They have appealed for any witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist them.

The accident happened whilst Cate was performing a fight scene on stage with her co-star Joel Edgerton. In the scene Joel had to throw a radio during the fight. Unfortunately the radio slipped out of his hand as he attempted to throw the radio, and it struck Cate Blanchett on the head.

According to a member of the audience, Cate had blood running down the back of her head and neck. She did bravely attempt to continue acting throughout the scene, until the decision was made to turn on the theatre lights and shut down the play to assess the injury she had sustained.

Luckily the head injury turned out to be fairly minor, and therefore Cate was fine to continue with the theatre production in the following night performance.