A man who suffered a serious injury to his foot after a colleague reversed over it in a refuse van is to launch a claim for compensation.

Kevin Jobe, 48, was helping the driver, Arturas Jablonkis, to reverse, when he suddenly moved the vehicle back and turned its wheels, Recycling and Waste Management reports.

As a result, Mr Jobe’s foot was crushed against the kerb and he claims he may still have to have it amputated.

A claim has been launched against Veolia Environmental Services, with Mr Jobe alleging that the company failed to train staff properly and did not provide warning of the manoeuvre.

He hopes to claim £150,000 in compensation.

A spokesperson for Veolia Environmental Services said: "Our sympathies are with Mr Jobe for his continued recovery and we take the injuries he suffered extremely seriously. We are therefore working closely with our insurers as the matter continues to be thoroughly investigated.”

According to new statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, over 136,000 workers suffered injuries during 2007-08.