SUPERMARKET giant Tesco have been fined £47,000 after a woman broke her hip in the company’s Haslemere store.

The woman slipped on a pallet-loading dolley, resulting in a 24-night stay in hospital and an ongoing course of physiotherapy.

The accident sparked a succssful prosecution by Waverley Borough Council.

Waverley became involved when a RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations – report was received from the store.

Environmental health officers from the council visited the Wey Hill store following notification that an accident had taken place. They undertook an investigation which identified four breaches of Health and Safety Legislation.

Tesco Stores Ltd pleaded guilty to four offences at Redhill Magistrates‘ Court on December 8.

In addition to a £47,000 fine, Tesco was ordered to pay Waverley’s costs in bringing the case to court of £4,599.57 and was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

Kevin Deanus, borough councillor for operational services, said: “Waverley’s environmental health officers provide an often unnoticed service, protecting the public behind the scenes. This case shows the professionalism of the service in carrying out a thorough investigation leading to a successful prosecution. I hope it will help ensure the safety of customers in future.”

The four offences were:

* Failure to comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 by not following procedures when reporting an injury to a person not at work.

* Contravening the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 by not adhering to set procedures for the monitoring of hazards

* Two offences related to the employers failure to discharge their duties in relation to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in relation to their duty to protect the health and safety of customers and staff.