A company has been ordered to pay £1,800 in compensation to a driver who was injured as he filled his work van with diesel at his employer’s premises.

Dawson Holdings PLC must pay William Smith from Bournemouth the money after he was injured filling the tank using a hand-held nozzle.

As he did so, diesel splashed back from the tank of the van and went directly onto his hands.

Mr Smith suffered from irritant contact dermatitis as a result.

The fuel pump did not have a protective guard and Mr Smith was not provided with gloves to protect his hands.

Representing the man, Laura Murray, from Thompsons Solicitors in Bristol, said: "This case highlights the need for employers to provide their workers with protective clothing.

"Although the risks involved in this task were assessed, protective gloves were not made readily available to employees, nor were employees aware that they were necessary or available.

"Since this accident, the employer has made gloves available and has erected signs at the fuel pump to advise all employees to use the gloves."