Flying lawn mowers

DIY chain B&Q has been fined almost £28,000 after a lawnmower was dropped on the head of a worker at its Wednesbury store, knocking her out.

The store admitted a charge under the Health and Safety Act at West Bromwich Magistrates Court after the case was brought by Sandwell Council.

Gary Cook, prosecuting on behalf of the council, told district judge Derek French that on January 31, 2006 staff at the Axletree Way store were asked to replenish stock, in a process called a “stock rumble”.

The court heard two male members of staff were using ‘aircraft’ steps to remove boxed lawnmowers weighing 18kg from middle racking to floor level .

District Judge French was told while this was happening a woman member of staff walked underneath the steps. However, at the same time, while passing the lawnmower down the steps, it slipped, fell and hit her on the side of her head.

“As a result of having being struck by the box she was rendered unconscious and had since had headaches, blackouts and stress-induced pseudo seizures,” said Mr Cook.

Mark Balysz, defending on behalf of B&Q, said since the accident a new risk assessment has been drafted to deal with merchandising activity on aircraft steps.

He said in the past five years, the whole of the company’s 330 stores had only reported seven accidents involving aircraft steps and stock.

“You can be sure that this incident in these circumstances won’t happen at the Wednesbury store again.”

Summing up, district judge French, said: “I accept that B&Q is a responsible employer and indeed I accept the assertion made that they are concerned about the welfare of their employees. However, it seems to me and it seems to be accepted by B&Q that this accident was avoidable.”

Mind how you go now!