A former employee of Walkers has secured a £9,000 settlement due to partial hearing loss, following years of exposure to excessive noise without adequate protection.
- Petronia Greene, 77, worked at Walkers from 1975, undertaking various roles including packing and quality control.
- Legal proceedings, managed by Veritas Solicitors, concluded successfully in June.
- Walkers failed to provide necessary hearing protection to its employees, leading to long-term damage.
- The legal case serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and protective measures.
Petronia Greene, a dedicated employee for almost two decades, found herself at the mercy of the deafening noise levels within the Walkers factory, which she described as a place where employees often had to shout to communicate. Without the provision of proper hearing protection, Ms. Greene has since suffered significant partial hearing loss, impacting her ability to engage in conversations with her family.
The legal journey to compensation was set in motion when Ms. Greene was prompted to reflect on her years at the factory, ultimately leading to the involvement of Manchester-based Veritas Solicitors. Their diligent efforts culminated in a £9,000 settlement in June, recognising the employer’s negligence in safeguarding their workforce’s hearing.
Reflecting on the impact of her experience, Ms. Greene expressed regret over the absence of protective equipment, noting, ‘This is my hearing, and it’s something I can never get back.’ Her story underscores the critical need for employers to prioritise protective measures to avert such irreversible damage among workers.
Ms. Greene’s case has brought to light the broader implications of workplace safety standards, casting a spotlight on other individuals who have similarly suffered from inadequate protection. Her pragmatic outlook remains one of encouragement towards employers adopting more rigorous safety protocols.
Faraz Fazal, managing partner at Veritas Solicitors, echoed the sentiment of justice served, highlighting the importance of compensating claimants like Ms. Greene for their undue hardships. Fazal emphasised the firm’s commitment to assisting individuals who have endured comparable situations, urging them to seek legal redress regardless of how much time has passed.
The settlement underscores the crucial need for companies to invest in employee safety, especially in environments with high noise levels.
