A SKIP worker who had his hand crushed and a thumb and finger cut off has won £175,000 compensation.

Heath Riley was delivering a skip for Burnley firm Enviro Skips Ltd, but it was insecurely stacked inside another skip.

The upper skip slipped and fell on to Mr Riley’s right hand, causing extensive and complex crushing injuries.

Immediately after the accident, in January 2009, Mr Riley, who was 42 at the time, had to have his thumb amputated on the site and was then taken to Royal Preston Hospital for specialist microsurgery.

He lost his index finger as well, which needed removing by surgeons.

Mr Riley, of Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, lost the use of two further fingers, and is unable to use his dominant right hand.

He said this had reduced his ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, including his DIY hobbies, and left him unable to work in the industry.

He said: “No amount of compensation will take away the pain and suffering I have endured as a result of the accident, nor does it make up for the fact that I cannot return to a manual labour job due to my injuries.

“This significant settlement will go some way in assisting with the ongoing pain relief and medical treatment costs I will need in the future, also allowing for the loss of earnings that I will suffer.”

The £175,000 compensation claim was handled by Nick Molyneux, at Farleys Solicitors LLP, in Burnley.

Enviro Skips admitted liability on the basis the skips were damaged and unsafe to be used and, as such, it was dangerous for them to be stacked to go out for delivery.

Mr Molyneux, personal injury partner, said: “Work-places have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for their employees, especially in the case of manual jobs where the handling of heavy equipment and items are involved.

"We are pleased that we have been able to assist Mr Riley in pursuing a claim for damages.”