The Co-op and The Co-operative Food are part of the co-operative brand which is itself the food arm of the British Co-operative movement. This originally started with the Rochdale Pioneers shop in 1844.The Co-operative Group is a family of businesses owned by it three million members and 4500 trading outlets. It retains a market share of around 9% and took over the Somerfield store brand in 2009.

Millions of people shop in Co-op supermarkets. Their outlets range from large supermarkets to the smaller ones often on the outskirts of residential areas. Most people who shop there leave with their groceries and most people who work there start and finish their shift without incident but there are exceptions.

Common types of accidents in the co-op.

Slipping accidents

The main cause of accidents in supermarkets is slipping. This can be on a wet floor and supermarkets are under a duty to clear up spillages quickly and warnings given that there is a wet floor.

Leaking freezers or chillers are another common cause and leaving aside the obligation to maintain equipment, the cleaners should mop the floor or use a cleaning machine and if the area presents a slip hazard then clear warning signs or cordons should be used.

Tripping accidents

The Co-op holds large quantities of groceries and this needs to be put on shelves. As staff are putting out the stock they should ensure that items are not put in dangerous positions on the floor and clear up any packaging, like cardboard, polythene or tape. Those staff owe a duty of care to shoppers and other staff not to create a tripping hazard (although their employers The Co-op are ultimately responsible)

Injury caused by falling stock

Shoppers have been injured by stock falling off shelves either because the shelf has been overloaded or the shelf has been incorrectly set up and it collapsed. Any hanging signage should be fixed firmly so that they do not fall and cause injury.

Equipment

The main item of equipment that we shoppers use is of course the trolley. These need to be regularly maintained and if an accident happens because of a faulty trolley then a claim may be possible.

Staff injuries

Supermarkets like The Co-op employ many staff and are responsible for their safety whilst they are in work. The Co-op has a duty to ensure that they are trained to lift for example or if they are using machinery then the machinery needs to be properly maintained and staff trained in its use.

Compensation for injuries ranges from a few hundred pound for cuts and bruises but can reach many thousands of pounds for fractures and more serious injuries. Claims can also be made for loss of earnings and medical treatment.

What to do if you have had an accident in The Co-op.

The accident should be recorded in the supermarkets accident book after you report it to staff. When you seek medical attention you should be sure to record it in the medical records as well. You should seek the services of a specialist solicitor. First4Lawyers retain a panel of expert lawyers able to deal with your claim on a no win no fee basis and if you have had an accident in the Co-op or indeed any supermarket in the last 3 years you may still be able to claim.