Warren Spour, 36, from South Shields, has not worked since the accident, which happened at the Hebburn campus of South Tyneside College, in October, 2006.

Mr Spour suffered wrist and shoulder injuries when he fell on the ramp, which was wet with rain, while entering a temporary classroom.

Although the college has defended its safety record, it admitted liability and settled out of court, with Mr Spour receiving an undisclosed sum in compensation.

But the case has sparked fresh calls for better safety standards at public buildings across the region.

Mr Spour had worked as a motor vehicle lecturer at the Mill Lane site of the college since 2001.

He said: "I fell badly on my elbow and was later taken to South Tyneside District Hospital.

"It's taken several years to win compensation, and the case was not settled until March of this year.

"I think the whole issue of safety at places like South Tyneside College and other public buildings needs to be looked at."

Although Mr Spour made a full recovery, he has received intensive physiotherapy on his shoulder for the past three years and still experiences pain.

He contacted the University and College Union (UCU) following the accident, which instructed its lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, to pursue a claim for compensation.

Mr Spour added: "My shoulder still hurts during the cold weather and it is arthritic. I am concerned that when I'm older it will only get worse.

"I decided to get in touch with the UCU, as I was worried about the health and safety risks the ramp obviously caused.

"I wanted to make sure no-one else suffered an accident like mine."

Jill Moore, for Thompsons Solicitors in South Shields, said: "This accident highlighted a dangerous health and safety risk for those visiting the college.

"It could have been avoided if the ramp had been covered in an anti-slip material. The college has a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone using its facilities."

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "This accident brings home the need for decent buildings in our colleges and adds a sense of urgency to the need for the Government to sort out the current mess regarding delayed funding for college building projects.

"In the meantime, employers must do all they can to make sure the current buildings are made safe."

Helen Beaton, vice-principal at South Tyneside College, said: "Health and safety is of paramount importance to South Tyneside College.

"The figures speak for themselves, with our accident/incident rates well below the national average for colleges.

"Since the accident in 2006, we have introduced much more robust health and safety procedures to ensure that something like this can never happen again."