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Apprentice Welder, 22, Recounts Wigan Steelyard Fireball and Six-Figure Settlement

His account highlights gaps in training that leave young workers at risk.

Overview

  • Dwayne Bell, who spoke Wednesday to the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo, urged apprentices to be wary of unsafe site practices.
  • At 17 in March 2021, he says a bin fire duty turned disastrous when paint thinner hit hidden embers and a fireball seared his face and hands.
  • He was airlifted to a burns unit, placed in an induced coma for a week, and treated for burns to about 8% of his body.
  • He later had three skin grafts to his hands and now lives with scarring, numbness, and blistering that limits how long he can weld.
  • Express Solicitors says the claim settled out of court for a substantial six-figure sum with no admission of liability, and reporters say Qualfab was asked for comment.