Seriously - don't look if you are squeamish or eating....

[2b1ask1]

I had to get two punctures fixed and a new tyre on the van this morning so got to the tyre shop when they opened at 8.30...

Things underway and chatted to the boss, tapping him up about ordering me a set of winters for the Mas etc. and one of the punctures was a slow one they couldn't find in the tyre so offered to reseal it on the rim....

Off comes the tyre and it's checked internally - still clear so the lad puts the rim on the machine and sets about cleaning the beads with an angle grinder and wire brush head....

I was stood outside some 3 - 4 metres away when THUMP!!!! I hought someone had punched me, realised I'd copped a bit of debris from the grinder and recoilled backwards... I looked in my wing mirror to see if I sould spot something to see about 8mm of wire sticking out of my eyeball!!!!!!!

Just got back from the hospital having had it removed; fortunately it was to one side but ouch ouch ouch!!!!

Not how I planned my day to go!

This is how it looks now - sorry if it is upsetting I'll delete it!

 

[GransportFan1]

bloody ****, that looks nasty Newton.

 

[Woody]

Ouch!

I know nothing about eyes, but will that heal 100%? Any vision impairment at all?

I hope it all heals, sharpish.

 

[2b1ask1]

Fortunately the eyball is pretty darned amazing at repairing and there are several layers; the Dr dug around for other debris using marker dye and commented that it 'fortunately hasnt gone through all of them!' So I'm lucky in that respect.

Tyre shop boss has been wonderfull, quite appart from running me quickly to hospital he is bringing the van back done and no charge for thetyre or repair... I'm not going to go legal or HSE it is just an accident...

 

[Woody]

You're certainly not American, are you? "Sue the MoFo, maaaaaan"

If only society on the whole had that approach [/moan]

Glad to hear its not serious though.

 

[marcos]

Coooool!

Glad there's no permanent damage, but the tyre shop fella must be bricking it you'll sue him. Well done for accepting accidents do actually happen!

 

[conaero]

FREE set of boots I feel, honestly thought, you would be up for a load of cash there if you filed a claim.

Where theres blame, make a claim is not something I agree with, usually comes down to a lack of common sense, but in your case, you did nothing, go on, I would.

 

[Parisien]

Fraid so Newton, do take Matts advice....you don't know if this eye will give trouble later.......best to protect you and your loved ones by putting in a claim.


P

 

[2b1ask1]

I've survived far worse in almost 47 years of doing dumb *** things that have nearly killed me... This was a geniune accident and I was outside of the workshop, there were 4 or 5 people closer than me I was just unlucky to get it in the eye & bloody lucky it was not end on completely when it hit, not 6mm to the left or I would have lost sight for sure.

I work in one of the most litigious industries and have to defend local authorities spending rediculously small budgets trying to make playgrounds and parks 'safe'; my business is product compliance and checking installations. I have to accept cr@p happens from time to time.... I also have to spend a painfull proportion of my turnover on PI & PL insurance just to be allowed to practice...

My eye will be better in a few days time and in a few weeks I'll have forgotten all about it. Claiming from this guy would cripple his business as he'd be struggling to get insurance in future years... I'm happy with what he has done for me and what he will do for me in the future... Mostly I know I'm going to get a flipping good price on a set of winter Vredestines now!

 

[ENZ525]

very pleased to hear no permanent damage newton, and admire your stance on the siituation.

 

[Andyk]

Good Lord...well you did warm me I suppose....Nasty, glad you are OK though.

 

[RonnieMack]

OOwwwww ! I also agree fully with your decision mate, and applaud you for sticking to it.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Cheers
Ronnie

 

[BennyD]

Hats off to you Newton, you have a great attitude. Many years ago I got some swarf from an angle grinder in my eye. I went to the medical centre and they pulled it. The doc hoped he had got it all out or it would start to rust and leave a stain under the surface of my eye! I don't know if he was yanking my chain but it is, apparently, quite plausible. Always wear safety glasses when grinding!

 

[2b1ask1]

I use grinders several times a week; mostly it is a 4" LiIon Makita or it's 110v cousin when I'm welding, I also have a 110v 9" for really big jobs or cutting tarmac & concrete. I'm pretty good at using goggles and even remember to don ear protection as well on occasions... Anyone who has welded stainless with an arc welder will be familiar with the way the slag 'pings' just as you lift your mask! so I wear my goggles under the welding mask...

Today however I was just a spectator and had moved back to a 'safe' distance when the fellow picked up the grinder... So I thought anyway!

My usual cockup with welding repairs in the field is not bothering to put my boots on, or my leather apron and finding my trainer or jeans are on fire!!! We are creatures of habit and complacency creaps in... sometimes it takes a 'close one' to remind us that we are using some serious kit!

Bit like driving a Maserati...

Thanks for all the kind support today!

 

[Parisien]

.......yup......bits of metal etc........need to be avoided.......H & S 1st 2nd and 3rd.........


P

 

[BennyD]

Your picture is a bit out of focus Newton. Are your eyes going? I'd get them looked at if I was you!

 

[2b1ask1]

Your picture is a bit out of focus Newton. Are your eyes going? I'd get them looked at if I was you!

Very good Benny; I'll keep an eye out for that in the future!!!

 

[Parisien]

I think Benny owes you a drink for that one Newton.........be sure to collect.....


P

 

[Emtee]

Bloody H£ll Newton, Just catching up with this one. You lucky, lucky boy! I dread to think how that might have ended up if the wire had gone through the lens. Just pleased you're okay, though I have to ask... you do have got it on good authority that there will be no ramifications? And I applaud your attitude to the whole sorry episode. Very magnanimous. Hope your recovery is swift and total. Cheers, Miles.

 

[2b1ask1]

Recovering well, the only time it is blurry is after drops for a while and it got tired and itchy in the afternoon yesterday... I'm just off to Preston now which is best part of 5 hours drive so I'll se how it goes - I think I may need to rest it part way & have a nap!