Non-fatal Accident

Thomas Johnson

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Washington. Thomas Johnson, 35, stoneman.

Slipped whilst lifting a large stone and sprained his left side on 12th January, 1916. Johnson was off 5 months and paid compensation, and then re-started his own work and continued off and on until May, 1919, when he had fall off. He claimed full compensation but was refused.

The case was referred to the Official Medical Referee (Dr. Pybus) who reported on 17th March, 1920, that Johnson was in good general health and able to do light work.

The claim was considered by the Committee on 12th April, 1920. Johnson was claiming full compensation from 19th May, 1919, to 17th March, 1920.

The Committee awarded Johnson full compensation for half the period. He was paid full compensation as from 17th March, 1920, until April, 1920, when he started light work on the screens. He worked very irregularly at the light work, and in November, 1922, had to give up.

The case was again referred to the Official Medical Referee (Dr. Pybus) who reported on 21st February, 1923 :—

"Thomas Johnson is suffering from ruptured muscles at the left of the lower part of the spine, and his condition is such that he is unfit for work as a stoneman. He is fit for work on the screens if he is not called upon to lift heavy weights or shovel.

The incapacity is due to the injury."

Johnson had not been offered any light work and asked for full compensation to be resumed, and this was awarded by the Committee on 5th April, 1923, and was continued until 29th October, 1923, when payment was stopped on a report by Dr. Willan. Johnson asked that full compensation be resumed.

Adjourned for a joint report to be obtained from Dr. Clay.

Source: Documents at the Durham Miners' Association, Redhills, Durham

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Washington. Thomas Johnson, 35, stoneman.

Slipped whilst lifting a large stone and sprained his left side on 12th January, 1916. Johnson was off 5 months and paid compensation, and then re-started his own work and continued off and on until May, 1919, when he had to fall off. He claimed full compensation but was refused.

The case was referred to the Official Medical Referee (Dr. Pybus) who reported on 17th March, 1920, that Johnson was in good general health and able to do light work.

The claim was considered by the Committee on 12th April, 1920. Johnson was claiming full compensation from 19th May, 1919, to 17th March, 1920.

The Committee awarded Johnson full compensation for half the period. He was paid full compensation as from 17th March, 1920, until April, 1920, when he started light work on the screens. He worked very irregularly at the light work, and in November, 1922, had to give up.

The case was again referred to the Official Medical Referee (Dr. Clay) who reported on 21st February, 1923 :—

"Thomas Johnson is suffering from ruptured muscles at the left of the low part of the spine, and his condition is such that he is unfit for work as a stoneman. He is fit for work on the screens if he is not called upon to lift heavy weights or shovel.

The incapacity is due to the injury."

Johnson had not been offered any light work and asked for full compensation to be resumed, and this was awarded by the Committee on 5th April, 1923, and was continued until 29th October, 1923, when payment was stopped on a report by Dr. Willan. Johnson asks that full compensation be resumed.

The case was before the last meeting of the Committee and adjourned for a joint report to be obtained from Dr. Clay.

Dr. Clay examined Johnson on 29th November, and reported as follows :—

"I found his condition the same as described in my report of 21st Februiry, 1923. He is fit for such work on the screens as does not necessitate him shovelling or lifting buckets. There is nothing in the nature of the injury to prevent him from being a regular worker; he is, however, subject to periods of ill health which are not due to the accident and these are the cause of his irregular attendances at work."

Awarded full compensation.

Source: Documents at the Durham Miners' Association, Redhills, Durham

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Official Medical Referee Cases.

Washington. Thomas Johnson.

1. "The said Thomas Johnson is in good general health and I can find no signs of injury or disease on full examination and his condition is such that he is fit for his ordinary work as a stoneman.

Dated this 8th day of November, 1926.

(Signed) FREDERICK J. NATTRASS,

Medical Referee."

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

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