A Clever Spell

Andrea Swales, a tax credit advisor with the HM Customs and Revenue offices in Peterlee, fell down due to a loose carpet tile and severely hurt her back in the year 2006. She was five months pregnant at the time of the fall and while she fell on a seat and protected her baby, she twisted her back in the process. Initially, she believed the reason for her back pain was her pregnancy, but when it continued even after childbirth, she consulted her doctor, who advised physiotherapy and put her on steroid injections to alleviate the pain. According to her doctor, the fall had resulted in bringing her back problem forward by nine years.

Emma Wiles, Director of Legal Services at the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, of which Andrea is a member, stated that such accidents are very common at workplaces, largely because of the lack of concern shown by employers towards the maintenance of offices and towards the provision of necessary safety measures. Slips and trips will happen as long as this apathy exists and companies refuse to provide safety measures, she added.

Janice Hook from Thompsons Solicitors claimed that whilst Ms Swales was very lucky as the fall did not harm her or her unborn baby, companies should learn from this incident the importance of safety measures to prevent such mishaps occurring in future. A course in the management of health and safety (NEBOSH Training) could help cut the risks that apply in workplaces.

HM Revenue and Customs accepted their guilt, decided to settle the matter out of court, and paid £9,000 as compensation to Ms Swales. She has also resumed her work at the company. However, this incident is being used by authorities to urge companies to take necessary action to prevent such incidents from taking place.