Warehouse fall leads to £1.2m fine - A cautionary tale for employers

Retail giant John Lewis plc has been fined £1.2 million following a serious workplace injury at its Milton Keynes warehouse.

An agency worker suffered a broken hip which required extensive surgery and long-term complications after falling from steps onto a conveyor belt.

The steps at the Milton Keynes site lacked a handrail, and the area presented insufficient headspace.

Oxford Magistrates' Court found John Lewis guilty of multiple health and safety failings, including:

• Failure to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for crossing the conveyor belt.

• Failure to maintain a safe system of work for employees and agency workers.

• Failure to provide adequate information, instructions, and training to staff.

The company pleaded guilty to breaches of sections 2, 3, and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

During the sentencing, the judge stated, “The nature of the manoeuvre he was required to take was inherently unsafe and that the offence was a significant cause of the actual harm suffered.”

The judge ordered John Lewis plc to pay £1.2 million after granting a reduction due to John Lewis's early guilty plea, demonstrated remorse, and cooperation with the investigation. The company was also ordered to pay £11,271 in costs and a £190 statutory surcharge.

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