Department store giant Debenhams have been fined a whopping £25,000 after one of their employees suffered horrendous injuries when he fell from a ladder when carrying out routine DIY in their Warrington store.
Richard Lindsey, who had worked for Debenhams for over 15 years, fell from the stepladder when changing ceiling lighting. However, what Debenhams failed to do was ensure that Mr Lindsey had a proper mobile working platform in order to change the lights, as well as an area cordoned off from customers.
Speaking at Warrington Crown Court, Judge Stephen Clarke summed up:
“It’s quite apparent that Debenhams is a company which takes the health and safety of employees and customers very seriously.
“He was obviously left to his own devices.
“He clearly chose to carry out the job in the way he did. It involved using a standard set of ladders. He had to stand on the top rung of the ladders.
“It is quite clear to this court that is not a safe system.
“Support clearly should have assessed the risk, those stepladders were clearly inadequate. Proper equipment was available.”
In addition to the £25k fine, Debenhams were also ordered to pay out nearly £7,000 in prosecution costs as well as a £15 victim surcharge.
