Drivers Suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Awarded Compensation
For the first time, the court has awarded compensation to train drivers suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The compensation suit was filed by three train drivers who were working for Arriva Trains Wales and were driving trains from the Carmarthen Depot.
The drivers claimed that they were forced to work in bad working conditions that led to their developing this condition. Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), the trade union for train drivers, stated that the drivers suffered from this disease, as they had to do the same work repeatedly and keep their wrists in uncomfortable positions. They also had to use brakes and power controls without sufficient space.
Other complaints of the drivers were that the seats were not proper as they were neither spacious nor adjustable, and they did not have armrests. One of the workers had to stay off work for around three-fourth of a year due to his health problem.
Arriva Trains Wales did not agree with these allegations and maintained that it is not liable. It claimed that the condition of the drivers was not due to the work they did.
The case was assigned to Honourable Judge Vosper who ruled in favour of the claimants on the ground that the company had failed to ensure safety of its employees. It was found that the company had not done any risk evaluation. Further, not even the fundamental preventive mechanisms for decreasing the risk of injury were put in place. The trial lasted for three days, after which exorbitant compensation to the tune of £22,000 was awarded. The compensation will be shared between the drivers.
According to Keith Norman, general secretary at ASLEF and a specialist in employment law, this verdict of the court is very important, as it will inspire other train drivers in the
Bill Gasson of Thompsons Solicitors, who was the attorney for ASLEF, stated that the case and its verdict are important for train drivers who work in bad working conditions.
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