Thompsons Solicitors have helped a machine operator whose hands were drenched in coolant at work win £50,000 compensation after developing a skin condition that means he can’t use washing up liquid or shampoo.

George Fraser of Pitfour Court, Peterhead developed persistent post-occupational dermatitis, a skin condition that won’t go away even though he no longer comes into contact with the irritants.

His hands were regularly drenched with coolant while working on an old machine at Terex Powertrain in Peterhead.

He said: “The machine sprayed coolant all over the place. Sometimes splashing my face and my body”

“The dermatitis was really hard to live with when it was at its worst and using anything like shampoo or washing up liquid would cause it to flare up.

“It’s a bit better now I know not to use anything that will cause my skin to react.”

When he returned from sick leave Mr Fraser lost his job when the firm was unable to offer him alternative role, and he couldn’t go back to his old job because of his skin condition.

He said: “We had a really tough time financially and I had to rely on my partner Rhuna to support me and my son, but we got through it”.

“I am really pleased that Thompsons fought my case and got me such a good settlement.”Roz Galloway of Thompsons Solicitors who are based in King Street in Aberdeen said: “When Mr Fraser lost his job with Terex he struggled to find an alternative job with comparable pay as he was restricted in what he could do. 

“All through the case, Insurers for Terex denied liability – they said that the skin condition was nothing to do with the exposure to the coolant.

“We pursued Mr Fraser’s case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, and eventually agreed a settlement at £50,000”.

Mr Fraser has since landed a new job as a banksman/slinger with an offshore supply company.