An engineer from Kent whose right arm was severely injured after it was pulled into a bottle-making machine has received £50,000 in compensation.

David Cotterrill, 29, was dragged into the machine by his shirt after he slipped on a pool of water and oil that had collected on the factory floor. Mr Cotterrill had been carrying out routine maintenance on the machine, the doors of which had also been left open.

After the accident, Mr Cotterrill had to have three months off work. He went to a hospital in France for treatment after NHS consultants told him there was nothing more they could do to help him.

Specialists at the hospital in Paris diagnosed a ‘compartment injury’. This occurs when the muscles swell too much for the sheath that surrounds them. Mr Cotterrill underwent keyhole surgery to allow the muscle to expand. He still suffers from pain but is recovering slowly.

Mr Cotterrill, who no longer works for his former employer, brought a claim for compensation. The company admitted liability for his injury and agreed to pay £50,000 in compensation.

See the Health and Safety Executive website for advice and information on preventing slips and trips in the workplace.