Non-fatal Accident

George Blackett

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Non-Fatal Cases.

4849. St. Helens. George Blackett, 59, stoneman.

Fell off with Miners' Nystagmus on 28th November, 1918. He was off for two years and three months and received full compensation, and started as a shifter and continued at such until 3oth April, 1922, when he had to cease owing to the nystagmus. Application was made for full compensation and the same was admitted but the Owners would not pay the War addition, and Blackett claimed to be paid such

Awarded compensation at the full rate from 30th April to 14th June, 1922. The subsequent claim for compensation to be referred to the Official Medical Referee.

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/6/1/1/3, Reports of the Compensation Department, Vol III covering Jan-Dec 1922

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Official Medical Referee Cases.

4849. St. Helens. George Blackett, 59, stoneman.

1. "The said George Blackett is suffering from characteristic tremors which, in my opinion, are the result of Millers' Nystagmus, and his condition is such that he is fit only for light work above-ground.

2. The incapacity of the said George Blackett is partial and is due to Miners' Nystagmus.

Dated this 22nd day of November, 1922.

(Signed) A. S. PERCIVAL,

Medical Referee."

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/6/1/1/3, Reports of the Compensation Department, Vol III covering Jan-Dec 1922

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

St. Helens. George Blackett, 58, stoneman.

On 4th December, 1918, this man fell off with Miners' Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 8th July, 1926, when it was reduced to 14/- per week on a report of Dr. Haig (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 18th June, 1926, as follows :—

"Examination. — There is no oscillation of the eyes to be made out, but a good deal of injection of the conjunctives and unsteadiness after stooping. Pupils equal and reacting normally. Knee jerks almost absent. Pulse 96, regular.

I am therefore of the opinion that he is fit for light employment on the surface."

On 1st September, 1926, payments of compensation were stopped a report of Dr. Wardale (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 16th August, 1926, as follows :—

"Present Condition. — I could not get any Nystagmus in this man to-day; he had some blinking of the eyelids which might be remains of Miners' Nystagmus. This man never had had Nystagmus; he has not worked for four years and when he was examined by me in 1922, I could not then get Nystagmus.

I think he is well able to do some work now."

Dr. Cama (the man's own doctor) on 28th June, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Present Condition. — He complains of dizziness, headache and tremors, He feels dizzy when he stoops down. There is a great deal of conjestion of the conjunctivia and unsteadiness after stooping. No oscillation of the eyes.

Grounds of Opinion. — He can do light work outside the pit. The work should be of that nature that he has not to stoop down."

Blackett is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 10/- per week.

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/6/1/1/6, Reports of the Compensation Department, Vol VI covering Jan-Dec 1926

If you are researching George Blackett (e.g. for family tree purposes) and you would like to hear from others with the same interest then please complete the details in the following form. We will show the information you provide on this page so that you can be contacted.