A former factory worker who dreamed one day of being a police officer has seen his hopes dashed after he needed surgery on his wrist following a slip on oil at work.

Robbie Boyle, 46, from Alresford in Colchester needed three operations on his right wrist after he fell whilst working as a condenser repairman for Visteon UK Ltd in Basildon.

He had to take six months in total off work and has been left with limited movement in the wrist.

Before the accident he had worked for the car parts manufacturer for 10 years. During that time he was also working as a Special Constable and had hoped to eventually become a full time Police officer.

Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation

Mr Boyle, who now works as chauffer, contacted personal injury experts Thompsons Solicitors after the accident to enquire about claiming compensation.

Thompsons argued that a system of cleaning up spillages should have seen the oil removed from the floor straight away.

Visteon UK admitted liability and settled the claim out of court for £25,000.

Everyone knows how dangerous a slip can be

Mr Boyle said: “Since the accident I’ve had to take six months off work recovering from various operations on my wrist. This accident has left me with restricted movement in my wrist. Fortunately I am able to do my current job but I do worry what I would do in the future if I am made redundant”.

“It’s a great disappointment that I’ll never become a police officer which was my intention, I wanted to join a police force full time but my injuries mean that I now wouldn’t pass the medical.”

Trevor Smith from Thompsons Solicitors added: “In workplaces where there is oil around, cleaning up spillages should be second nature when everyone knows how dangerous a slip can be. Mr Boyle’s slip cost him a significant loss of wages, the end to his plans to become a police officer and long term wrist problems.”