Wilko fined £2.2m over workplace accident

The BBC has reported that value retailer Wilko has been fined £2.2m following a workplace accident which left an employee paralysed.

The incident took place in a Leicester store in 2013. Employee Corisande Collins was pulling an overloaded roll cage out of a lift when it toppled on her, trapping her underneath.  The cage contained 230kg of paint.

Health and safety inspectors were shocked at the store’s practices and it was revealed that no risk assessments had taken place in relation to the lift or roll cage use.

In court, Wilko admitted to failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees. The company says it has accepted the ruling and will appeal against it.

Wilko said in a statement:

"The greater penalty for all of us is, knowing that on this occasion we let one of our team members down.

"We are truly sorry that this incident happened and for the impact it has had on Corisande, her family and those around them which the judge today recognised they have faced as a family and with great fortitude."

Source :Insight DIY

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