A North East farm owner has been fined and ordered to pay compensation after a worker sustained serious leg injuries.

Two employees were building cattle troughs out of 1.5-tonne reinforced concrete panels when the accident happened in August 2014.

The incident, at Flotterton Farm, Thropton, Northumberland, was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Inspectors told Mid and South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court that the workers wrapped a chain around forks attached to a telehandler before placing hooks through the panels’ lifting hoops.

However, the panel was not properly supported as it was lowered to the ground so the chains to be shortened and it fell onto one of the men, crushing his leg.

He sustained six fractures to his lower right leg and underwent an operation to insert a metal rod. He was unable to weight-bear for four months.

HSE inspectors said the farm’s proprietor, Messrs F T Walton, did not plan the work properly to make sure it was done safely. In addition, the equipment used was not suitable for the job.

Messrs F T Walton of Flotterton Farm, Thropton, Morpeth, Northumberland, was charged £5,000 and told to pay £1,096 in HSE costs after admitting offences under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. A compensation order of £2,000 was also made to the injured man.

Macks Solicitors of Middlesbrough, Darlington and Redcar has extensive personal injury experience and expertise and recovers millions of pounds in compensation for its clients every year. To discuss your case, fill out our claim form and one of our accident compensation lawyers will be happy to contact you.