Non-fatal Accident

J. R. Temple

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Harton. J. R. Temple, 35, hewer.

On 10th July, 1924, this man fell off with Miners’ Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 24th September, 1926, when it was reduced to 7/6 per week on a report of Dr. Wardale (the Owners’ doctor) who reported on 10th September, 1926, as follows :—

"Present Condition. — This man has Miners’ Nystagmus but I could only demonstrate it in one position, and then it was very slight and did not continue, even when kept in that strained position. There was no sign of it after "hewing."

I think he is able to work on bank now."

On 20th September, 1926, Dr. Boyd Cunningham (the man’s own doctor) reported as follows :—

"Examination. — Temple is suffering from Miners’ Nystagmus.

The oscillation of the eyes can be observed when he turns his eyes into extreme positions — there is also blinking of the lids. The oscillations are increased after he has been stooping for a short while and there is undoubted giddiness present.

From the result of my examination I am of opinion that Temple is incapacitated from performing any kind of work underground ; he is also incapacitated from performing the full work of a labourer at bank. He is only fit to perform suitable light work at bank in daylight where there is little or no stooping or heavy lifting."

No suitable light work being available Temple now claims full compensation.

Awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 14/- per week.

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

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