Shop fined after shopper hit by forklift

11 February 2011, 11:31 | Updated: 21 February 2011, 14:59

A Luton shop has been ordered to pay nearly £15,000 after a customer was hit by a forklift truck inside the store.

Bhavins Food of 118 Bury Park in Luton pleaded guilty to three offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 at Luton Magistrates Court.

Magistrates fined the shop £12,000 plus £2,783 towards council costs and a £15 victim surcharge a total of £14,798.

Cllr Joan Bailey, Luton portfolio holder for Environmental Health, said:  "This accident should not have happened and could have been avoided by simply separating the shopper and movement of the forklift truck inside the shop. 

"The health and safety laws are there to protect the public and employees.  If businesses don't take their responsibilities seriously and endanger the lives of the public or employees, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against them."