Poundstretcher fined for poor safety practices
October 01, 2008
A budget chain-store has been prosecuted for exposing its workers to danger, the Reading Chronicle reports.
Bosses at Poundstretcher's Newbury branch were found to have allowed fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and exits at the store's warehouse to be blocked by stock - a significant worker hazard and likely to lead to a work accident claim.
The firm was fined £26,000 by Reading Crown Court, which also ordered it to pay £10,000 in compensation.
Any worker suffering injury caused by these safety lapses could also have resulted in their launching a work accident claim for compensation - a further financial strain.
Prosecution lawyer Mark Watson said: "Poundstretcher was found to have been in breach of the general duties of an employer to their employees, as well as persons other than their employees."
The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted the store following two separate complaints about the shop in early 2006. More information about making a work accident claim.