£10,000 damages for slipped disc

A mechanical fitter who suffered a slipped disc whilst attempting to lift a half tonne stainless steel end cover has been awarded £10,000 in damages. He was manually moving a half tonne stainless steel end cover hanging from lifting gear away from a walkway along the side of a machine when he injured his back. There were no purpose built running beams or electric lift which would have make the job easier and less hazardous. The firm initially denied liability, but eventually settled out of court.