A man who suffered permanent eye damage in a workplace accident has won compensation from his employer.

Phillip Heeney, 25, was helping a colleague move a drum of acid when the accident happened. As they were removing the lid, the acid splashed into Mr Heeney’s right eye and his mouth.

Although Mr Heeney was wearing prescription safety glasses, they were not sealed at the sides and so did not protect his eyes from contact with the acid.

As a result of the accident, Mr Heeney was absent from work for five weeks, during which time he required extensive treatment. He still has to use lubricating eye drops to counter permanent damage to a tear duct.

A personal injury claim was brought on the basis that Mr Heeney’s employer, Omya UK Ltd., had not provided adequate protective equipment and had failed to ensure that the acid was stored in a safe manner.

The claim was settled out of court for £10,000.