Court’s Verdict Hailed as Victory for Train Drivers Suffering from CTS
A court recently awarded composite damages worth 22, 000 pounds to three train drivers who developed a permanent disability in their hands while performing their duties.
All three drivers were employed with Arriva Trains Wales, Carmarthen Depot, and they developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in course of their work. The drivers had often complained about their seats, which had no armrests. One train driver even revealed that he had missed work for almost ten months due to improper work conditions.
The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) blamed the employer for the long-term injury suffered by the drivers. The ASLEF said that the workers had been forced to work with uneasy wrist postures and in cramped spaces, and thus it was no surprise that they developed CTS. However, Arriva Trains Wales shrugged off any liability for the condition of the drivers. Thereafter, ASLEF pursued a compensation claim through its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors.
It only took the court five days to come up with its decision in the case. Judge Vosper decreed that the CTS of all the three train drivers was a consequence of workplace conditions. The judge also found Arriva Trains Wales negligent of overlooking health and safety risks at the workplace and noted that the company had failed to implement any preventive measures.
The plaintiffs will now divide the compensation amount of 22,000 pounds among themselves.
ASLEF’s general secretary Keith Norman is delighted with the court’s decision. He said the verdict could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. He also urged employers to make sure rail employees work in a safe environment and all health and safety risks are assessed properly.
Bill Gasson of Thompsons Solicitors hailed the ruling as a triumph for all train drivers who work in uncomfortable conditions. He criticised Arriva Trains Wales for failing to put in place minimal safety measures that could have prevented the permanent injury to the train drivers.
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