Non-fatal Accident

Thomas Edwards

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Wingate. Thomas Edwards, 31, hewer.

Edwards lost an eye through a detonator exploding on 2nd November, 1909. After being on compensation he started light work and then commenced hewing and was hewing up to 9th November, 1923, when he had to fall off owing to the injury. Compensation was refused and the case was referred to the Official Medical Referee (Dr. Percival) who reported on 1st February, 1924 :—

"T. Edwards has had his right eye removed owing to an injury from a detonator. His left eye has not suffered from the injury to the right. He complains of headaches, and his condition is such that he is only fit for employment suitable for a one-eyed man. His headaches have nothing to do with the injury.

The incapacity is partial, and his partial incapacity is entirely due to the loss of one eye."

The Owners refused to pay compensation on the above report and Edwards asked for full compensation.

Awarded 12/- per week.

Official Medical Referee Cases.

Wingate. Thomas Edwards.

1. "The said T. Edwards has had his right eye removed owing to an injury from a detonator. His left eye has not suffered from the injury to the right. He complains of headaches, and his condition is such that he is only fit for employment suitable for a one-eyed man. His headaches have nothing to do with the injury.

2. The incapacity of the said T. Edwards is partial, and his partial incapacity is entirely due to the loss of mate eye.

Dated this 1st day of February, 1924.

(Signed) A. S. PERCIVAL,

Medical Referee."

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

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