Non-fatal Accident

William Coulson

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

North Biddick. William Coulson, 54, hewer.

On 7th December, 1925, this man sustained an injury to his eye through being struck by a piece of coal. On 12th January, 1926, he returned to work but had to fall off again on the 14th. He commenced light work on 15th March, 1926, and continued at such until 30th April, 1926, when the National Stoppage began. On 3rd September, 1926, Dr. Boyd Cunningham (the man's own doctor) reported as follows :—

"Examination. — The vision of the left eye is very poor — there is a corneal scar and the pupil is drawn upwards towards it.

The vision of the right eye is good.

From the result of my examination I am of opinion that William Coulson was unable to follow his employment whilst he was being treated for his eye. He is now, and has been since he started light work, able to do most kinds of light work. I do not consider that he is fit to go back to hewing."

The management are refusing to pay compensation on the grounds that the accident was not reported. Coulson is still off work and now claims full compensation.

The Committee failed to agree.

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

If you are researching William Coulson (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.