Six-figure payout for man who lost finger and thumb in Dunstable workplace incident

A father-of-four who had a finger and thumb amputated following a workplace accident in Dunstable, has issued an emotional health and safety plea, after lawyers secured him a six-figure settlement.

Billy Mortimer, 63, was operating a rolling machine during his job at Hardall International Ltd, Ludun Close, when a site worker around eight feet away started using an angle grinder to remove strips of metal from a door.

When sparks from the grinder started reaching him and pieces of metal hit him in the face, Billy became distracted. His right hand was then pulled up to his wrist into the rolling machine he was using.

Billy, of St Albans, was rushed to hospital. However, doctors were unable to save his right index finger and thumb which were amputated. His middle finger also had to be sown back on.

Following the incident, Billy instructed expert workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist therapies and rehabilitation he requires.

Hardall International admitted liability for his injuries. A separate Health and Safety investigation also found six material breaches of regulations at the company’s site.

After Billy’s legal team secured him a settlement, Billy, who had to give up his job at Hardall because of injuries, is calling on employers to always put safety first.

Natasha Fairs, the workplace injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Billy, said: “This case is sadly yet another example of why health and safety should always be a top priority for employers. Billy suffered avoidable and devastating injuries that will impact him for the rest of his life.

“While the damage has been done, we hope that this settlement will help Billy access the specialist support he now requires. It’s also a clear reminder why businesses need to put safety at the top of their agenda.”

Billy is married to Maggie, 54. She now has to work two jobs as a dinner lady and retail assistant because her husband has been unable to return to work.

Recalling the incident, which happened on March 1, 2018, he said: “The worker asked if he could use a nearby bench and I suggested that he should actually use a plasma cutter for a better finish and this could be used outside. However, he went with the angle grinder and sparks flew everywhere. The next thing my hand was in the machine and by then it was too late.”

Billy was treated at Luton and Dunstable Hospital and Lister Hospital. He continues to suffer with a range of issues with his hand shaking when he tries to flex his wrist. He also suffers daily with pain and has limited grip strength.

He added: “The physical impact of the injuries has been massive. I’ve needed help with many things, including daily tasks that people take for granted like washing my hair. I was right-handed so having to learn to try and write or brush my teeth with my left hand were incredibly difficult.

“There has also been a psychological impact. I’ve experienced a lot of low moods due to not being able to work, while I’ve not even been able to do some hobbies either. Everything is an effort, which is just hugely frustrating. I’ve suffered with nightmares and flashbacks too.

“It has been the most challenging time of my life and it has been hard to stay positive at times. However, securing this settlement is a huge relief, as it means I’ll be able to get some vital support going forward.

“I only hope that my story will encourage businesses to think twice about health and safety. As my case shows, it is such an important issue and it cannot be ignored.”

Following the incident, the Health and Safety Executive investigated and note six breaches of health and safety law, including that the system of work used by the company did not keep workers’ hands away from dangerous parts of the rolling machine.

Hardall International Ltd has been approached for comment.