Bestway Cash and Carry in Dallow Road has received a heavy fine after pleading guilty at Luton Magistrates Court on 20 September to three offences under the Health and Safety laws.
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Magistrates heard how a company employee fell into an unguarded loading and unloading bay, which forms a 4 foot deep pit, while working in the ‘Goods In’ area of the store’s warehouse.
The employee was very lucky to escape with minor injuries, particularly in view of the depth of the bay, the hard surface she fell on and the weight of the items that fell on her.
After careful consideration, Magistrates fined Bestway Cash and Carry Ltd £8,000 for each of the three offences plus £3,792 towards Council costs and a £15 victim surcharge – a total of £27, 807.
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, portfolio holder for Public Health, said: “Health and safety laws are there to protect both employees and the public. Businesses must ensure they keep everyone as safe as possible at all times. The risk in this particular case was foreseeable and could have been easily avoided by installing fixed barriers around the bay.”
Council health and safety officers are on hand to offer guidance and support to local businesses – just call 01582 510330, email [email protected] or see www.luton.gov.uk/healthandsafety or www.everythingregulation.org.uk
