Merley Paper Converters have been fined £70,000 plus costs of £30,974, after admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in a case heard at Northampton Crown Court. Densanka Todorovic was killed as she was standing next to racking in the warehouse, waiting to take delivery of flat pack boxes. The racking, which was missing vital locking pins to secure it into place, collapsed, causing the heavy boxes on its shelving to land on Mrs Todorovic, partially burying her beneath them.
The HSE brought the prosecution against the firm following the tragedy in March 2009. Speaking following the case, HSE Inspector Roger Amery said that the case was extremely tragic and that the death of Mrs Todorovic had had a huge impact on her family. He went on to say that "Had Merley Paper Converters properly erected and properly maintained its racking, this incident would never have happened".
Information on warehouse safety is freely available to firms on the HSE website, under the Warehousing Section.
By Pauline Smith
- Stephensons has successfully dealt with a number of cases involving accidents within warehouses, including people falling from racking due to ladders not being available, and poorly constructed racking. If you or a family member or friend have been injured in similar circumstances, then our specialist team can help you and provide you with advice on making a claim.
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