A welder who was injured in an accident at work has received £15,000 in compensation.

Brian Cornish fell from steel steps whilst working at a recycling firm in Plymouth on 9 January 2006. He fractured his right arm so severely in the fall that he was unable to return to work for over two months and had to undergo major surgery.

The 47-year-old was a self employed welder and had been subcontracted to Engineering Services, of Bridgend. At the time of the accident he had been further subcontracted to work at European metal Recycling’s Plymouth site in Faraday Mill Business Park.

Mr Cornish, from Bridgend was rushed straight to Derriford hospital following his accident at work, and later underwent surgery on his arm at his local hospital in Bridgend.

He has been left with a metal plate in his arm, permanent scarring and will have to endure further surgeries in the future and finds it difficult to use his right arm when lifting.

European Metal Recycling refused to accept liability for Mr Cornish’s work injury but agreed to pay him £15,000 in an out-of-court settlement.