In a significant ruling, John Lewis PLC has been fined £1.2 million following a serious injury at its Magna Park warehouse in February 2022. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining high safety standards, particularly in environments where employees and agency workers face physical risks.
Read more to learn more about the incident, its legal implications, and what health and safety measures should be taken to prevent such accidents.
The incident and injury
The accident occurred when an agency worker fell from a set of small steps over a conveyor belt. These steps were without handrails, posing a serious risk of slips, trips, and falls. The confined headspace made the area even more hazardous. As a result, the worker sustained a broken hip, requiring extensive surgery and leading to long-term complications.
This tragic event resulted in an investigation by Milton Keynes City Council’s Environmental Health Team, which found that the steps in question were unsafe and posed an “obvious and imminent risk.”
Investigation and legal outcome
Following the investigation, the council issued a prohibition notice to John Lewis, preventing the use of the unsafe steps across the operational conveyor belts in the warehouse. The company was found to have breached multiple safety regulations, including:
- Failure to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for crossing conveyor belts.
- Failure to maintain a safe system of work for employees and agency workers.
- Inadequate training, instruction, and information for workers regarding safety procedures.
At Oxford Magistrates Court, John Lewis PLC pleaded guilty to violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999. In addition to the £1.2 million fine, the company was ordered to pay £11,271 in costs and a statutory surcharge of £190.
Lessons for health and safety in warehouses
This incident highlights the critical need for comprehensive safety measures, particularly in high-risk environments like warehouses. The following safety strategies can help prevent similar incidents:
- Risk Assessments
It’s essential that businesses regularly conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
A detailed evaluation of walkways, steps, and access points over conveyor belts should be part of any health and safety audit.
- Proper infrastructure
Steps and walkways should be fitted with handrails to reduce the risk of falls. In tight or confined spaces, ensuring sufficient headspace and appropriate design can prevent accidents.
- Safe system of work
A safe system of work includes clearly defined procedures for employees to follow, with attention to maintaining a secure working environment.
Ensuring that steps, ladders, and other equipment are regularly maintained and free of hazards is part of this.
- Employee training
Workers, including agency staff, must receive appropriate training on health and safety risks, including how to safely navigate areas with conveyor belts, ladders, or steps. Regular refresher courses should also be considered.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations
Companies must adhere to all relevant safety laws and regulations, from risk assessments to employee welfare. A failure to comply can lead not only to legal action but also to severe financial and reputational damage, as shown in the case of John Lewis.
The £1.2 million fine imposed on John Lewis PLC is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for all employees. This case highlights the legal and financial consequences of neglecting health and safety protocols and the importance of a proactive approach to risk management.
For health and safety professionals in the warehouse and logistics sector, this case serves as a clear call to action to review and enhance safety measures, ensuring that every worker is protected from avoidable harm. By implementing stringent safety practices, conducting regular risk assessments, and training employees adequately, businesses can safeguard their workforce and avoid similar incidents.
