Summer job leaves graduate with serve burns

A 26 year old suffered concrete burns after a construction company failed to ensure protective cloths were worn on site.

When Joe began looking for a summer job to save money for his year out travelling, he never thought that it would end so disastrously. His friend had recommended working for a pool construction company as they paid well. He was told that he could start immediately and to dress for working out of doors.

Joe's first job was to work repairing a run down swimming pool. No one had told him what was appropriate clothing to wear so he had worn old combats, jumper and hiking boots which were not reinforced nor steel toe capped. At no time did anyone check whether he had correct work boots on.

After they had dug out the old flooring of the pool they then poured in new concrete. After a while Joe noticed that his feet were very cold but he assumed that this was due to the January weather.

It was not until he was showering at the end of the day that he noticed the blisters on his feet and ankles. His supervisor confirmed that they were concrete burns. He suggested that he washed his feet again when he got home and put moisturiser on them.

On the drive home Joe's feet became increasingly painful. Once home he immediately removed his shoes and found more and more concrete burn blisters. His mother took him to hospital where he was admitted.

Over the course of the next few days the severity of Joe's burns became apparent. He was admitted to the high dependency burns unit where he had to undergo surgery, skin grafts to both feet and ankles and intense physiotherapy.

Joe is still seeking treatment for his burns and it is uncertain whether he will need further skin graft operations.

The accidents at work team at looking into Joe's claim to help him seek answers for why this severe and avoidable accident was allowed to happen.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650