DFS Fined £1million for Accident at Work
A national furniture company has been fined £1million following an accident at work incident which led to the serious injuries of a worker.
Accident at work incident
Derby Magistrates’ Court heard how on 02 July 2015, an employee of DFS Trading Limited (DFS) was unloading wooden furniture frames at one of their upholstery sites. As he was doing so, an unsecured furniture arm fell from an unstable bed and struck the worker.
The piece of wood hit the worker so hard he was knocked unconscious, sustaining serious head and neck injuries in the process.
HSE investigation
An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that DFS failed to supervise the work that was being carried out. The investigation also found that the company failed to manage the risks of heavy loads as they were moved between sites.
Furthermore, it was found that a number of near missed had been reported from unsecured loads.
Sentencing and fines
DFS Trading Limited of Rockingham Way, Redhouse Interchange, Adwick Le Street Doncaster pleaded guilty to breaching sections 3 of the Managing Health and Safety at Work Regulation and also section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company were fined £1million with costs of £15,099.
HSE inspector Lyn Spooner said after the hearing:
“DFS is a large national organisation. The fundamental and systemic failings identified in their health and safety management systems is far from what would be expected from a company of their size who has the ability to deliver higher standards of safety.
“Unfortunately DFS were unable to do that on this occasion and a preventable accident was allowed to occur.”
Accident at work – expert advice
Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.
To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
Source: Health & Safety Executive
