Mechanic receives accident compensation following accident

A mechanic employed at the Lothian Buses depot in Scotland has received an accident compensation pay-out after he was blinded in a work accident.

Ross Carey, 26, was removing the front camshaft from a broken-down Trident bus at the depot when the accident happened in September 2008.

The camshaft became stuck fast and, as Mr Carey applied pressure to it, a metal spark hit him in the left eye. Despite being taken to hospital and treated for his injuries, his sight could not be saved in that eye.

Following the accident, Mr Carey suffered from depression as he struggled to accept that he was now blind in one eye. According to The Scotsman newspaper, he also split up with his partner as a result of his depression.

The mechanic claimed for accident compensation from his employer and won an undisclosed pay-out out of court.

The court heard that, whilst Mr Carey had received safety training, he was unable to obtain a pair of protection goggles on the morning of the accident as the storeroom was closed.

He has since moved to Australia in a bid to begin a new life.