A man whose leg was crushed by a forklift has revealed his shocking injuries. Simon Upton, 53, suffered serious left leg and ankle injuries, including multiple fractures, when he was hit by the vehicle at work.
The dad-of-four and granddad-of-three spent more than six weeks in hospital and had to undergo more than five operations. Nearly five years later he is still under the care of surgeons and may have to undergo more surgeries as he battles ongoing severe pain and mobility issues.
Surgeons say he still faces the possibility of amputation - with shocking images showing the extent of his injuries and surgical wounds. Simon was on a pedestrian crossing when the forklift truck collided with him, crushing his leg and ankle.
The driver did not slow down and their vision was restricted as the forklift was carrying multiple containers. Simon said: “I remember walking across the designated pedestrian crossing towards some containers and then suddenly I was hit by the forklift truck.
"I remained trapped under the truck for around five minutes before I was freed. I’ve never felt pain like it and knew that it was serious. Coming to terms with my injury and the impact it’s had not only on me but my loved ones has been very difficult.
"It wasn’t a case of leaving hospital to rest and recover; what happened still affects me now. I enjoyed my job and could see me staying there for a number of years. However, I’ve not been able to return to work since. I used to play golf several times a week, go out with friends and enjoyed holidays.
“I can’t thank the doctors for everything they’ve done to help me but I still live in pain daily and struggle with my mobility. My walking is very slow. My left leg feels as though I’m trying to walk through sand and I feel that my limp and overall gait is worse than ever.
“Even nearly five years on, it’s still difficult to accept and come to terms with what’s happened. I try to remain optimistic and focused on my recovery, but I still face so much uncertainty as to how much of my old life I’ll get back. I just hope that by speaking out employers realise the impact safety breaches can have on people’s lives and that people in similar position to me don’t have to feel they have to go through things alone. Help and support is available.”
Simon spent more than six weeks in hospital undergoing surgery to insert pins and plates into his leg, as well as skin grafts and multiple plastic surgical procedures. Because of his injuries he also could not attend his sister's wedding in Cyprus where he was due to give her away.
AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings Ltd have since admitted liability for the injuries and Its representatives plead guilty to breaches in health and safety laws. The company have collaborated with expert workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell - who helped support Simon during the legal process.
AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings Ltd also provided interim payments to help fund Simon’s ongoing rehabilitation and treatment. The company was fined £600,000 after the incident, and was also ordered to pay costs of £3,188 during a Health and Safety Executive prosecution at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.
Alice Hall, the specialist workplace injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Simon, said: “The last few years and coming to terms with the devastating injuries Simon suffered have been incredibly difficult for him and his family. He continues to live with the effect of what happened, not only physically but also emotionally. While he has made progress in his recovery through access to rehabilitation, Simon still faces many challenges and an uncertain future.
"We acknowledge the collaborative approach to the civil case by his employer’s insurance company and their solicitors. We’re determined to support Simon to make the best recovery possible so he can regain more of his independence and, importantly, his quality of life.
"In the meantime, we hope what happened acts as a warning as to why businesses need to ensure the highest health and safety standards are upheld at all times.”
