Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
This article was published on January 11th, 2017
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated a well-known retailer after one of its workers, a 20 year old woman, sustained a crushing back injury and was paralysed by a 230kg roll cage containing paint. The incident happened over 3 years ago when the woman was working part time at a store whilst still continuing her education at university.
A Court heard how the woman, who had just completed her first year at Uni, had been pulling a roll cage laden with paint cans, out of a lift when it tipped over pinning her to the floor and causing catastrophic crushing injuries.
The HSE investigation had discovered that the cage had been overloaded with 230kg (507lb) of paint. There had also been no risk assessments of the dangers of transporting roll cages around the store, including on and off lifts and also no training or supervision of transportation of heavy loads.
The company was fined £2.2m after it pleaded guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act and paid costs of £70,835.91.
The Judge presiding over the case commented:
The practical realities were essentially that heavily and unevenly laden cages were being manoeuvred around, sometimes unnecessarily, with items not even required on the shop floor. The risks were clear.
The 23 year old is wheelchair bound and has only a 1% chance of walking again. She is seeking legal compensation for the injuries she sustained whilst at work.
Accidents can be embarrassing and stressful and we often blame ourselves when they happen but ask yourself this.. were you given the right tools and equipment for the job? Was the job risk assessed and properly supervised? were you given the proper training to do the job? are all the tools and machinery maintained and fit for purpose? If you are unsure if you are at fault or not then speak to one of our specialist solicitors who find out for you and will handle every aspect of your work accident compensation claim, providing the support and expertise you deserve.
We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your personal injury claim.
To speak to one of our specialist team call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 1979 345, or complete our simple enquiry form and we can call you back at a time to suit you.
