Mr Syms, a driver for Arriva trains at the time, was sitting on a plastic moulded chair in the station's mess room at the time, when it collapsed, causing him to land heavily on his back.

In Mr Syms' case, his initial reaction was one of shock but he began to feel pain and discomfort shortly afterwards. Despite resting for a few days, within a short time the pain got so bad that over-the-counter painkillers were ineffectual and Mr Sym sought medical treatment.

In spite of a course of treatment involving physiotherapy and injections, Mr Syms' pain increased and he was eventually forced to retire from his job.

Mr Syms' solicitors argued that in addition to the pain and discomfort he had suffered from the accident he had also been left unemployed and without adequate skills or training to seek alternative employment.

Mr Syms' case draws attention to the serious impact an accident at work can have - not only leaving him physically affected but without the means to earn a living. In the 2006/7 there were nearly 30,000 reported cases of major injuries to employees and over 110,000 other injuries that caused employees to be absent from work.

Many people who suffer accidents at work are concerned that bringing a claim against their employer could result in them losing their job. However, a good accident at work claims expert, for example, 1stClaims, will do everything they can to protect your employment while you go through the process of recovering any compensation you feel you are entitled to.

As an employee it's important to remember that your employers are liable for their employee safety not just while working on the "factory floor" but anywhere on the work premises, including rest rooms, canteens or other employee areas.

In Mr Syms' case the chair in the mess room was found to be defective - in general, any piece of machinery, furniture or other item in the workplace that has the potential to cause injury could be a potential safety hazard.

However, the employer's liability goes further than simply replacing or repairing faulty or dangerous items. It is the responsibility of the employer not just to monitor potential dangers in the workplace but also to ensure that all relevant employees are adequately trained and that there is an adequate health and safety policy in place to advise employees of potential hazards they may face.

If you feel you employer has been negligent then it is worth contacting a specialist in work place accidents. A quick search on the Internet for terms like "accidents at work claims" will bring a huge choice.

The more reputable firms out there, such as 1stClaims will allow you to make a claim enquiry for free and will not only offer a no-win, no-fee service but will ensure that you receive 100% of your compensation for all work place accident claims.

We deal in a range of claims, including personal injury claims and compensation.