Morrisons supermarkets were established in 1899 and are now the fourth largest in the UK with a share of the market approaching 12%. It has over 400 stores and the Morrison family still retain a share in the company. It acquired the Safeway group some years ago,

Morrisons, like all supermarket chains is not immune to accidents and the injuries sustained can have far reaching effects on the individual.

Common Causes of Accidents in Morrisons

Slips and Trips

These are by far the most common type of accident in any supermarket. They are commonly caused because of spillages caused by a member of staff or another shopper. In essence supermarkets are required to provide shoppers with a safe environment which means that they should have a well documented system for dealing with spillages, including regular checks by staff and cleaners available to deal with the spillages in a timely fashion. Wet floor signs should be used or an area cordoned off whilst it is being cleaned and whilst it is drying. Leaking freezers are not unusual and staff have to be trained to look out for leaks and deal with them.

Similarly aisles should be kept clear of obstructions. The nature of shopping means that we are not looking at our feet but at produce on shelves and Morrisons like other supermarkets has to ensure that items like boxes are not kept on the floor and should have some systems to ensure that  objects do not create a hazard.

Falling objects

Shoppers have a right to shop in Morrisons in safety and that includes ensuring that shelves are properly stacked, signage is properly attached and fittings will not collapse. Nasty injuries can be caused by the glass from broken bottles if a shelf collapses or the bottles are not stacked properly.

Morrisons responsibilities extend to all their public areas such as the toilets and the car parks. All must be kept in good repair.

Employees of Morrisons are not immune from injury and Morrisons just like any other employer owes their staff a duty of care to provide a safe working environment and proper training. In one case Morrisons failed to ensure that a safety barrier was properly maintained and it swung into the windscreen of an employee’s car, causing him serious facial injuries. Morrisons received a substantial fine under the Health and Safety at Work Act and a compensation claim from the injured employee.

Common Injuries

Injuries include bruising, dislocations and fractures and compensation can range from a few hundred pounds to many thousands of pounds in the more serious cases. Compensation will also cover any loss of earnings and the cost of care if the injuries are such that your day to day activities are curtailed even if for a short time.

What to do in the event of an accident.

If you have an accident in Morrisons then it should be reported to the staff and an entry made in the accident book if possible. If you are able to take photographs of the area where you had your accident, then that would certainly help. Take the names and addresses of witnesses and seek early medical advice if your injuries warrant it.

If you have had an accident in Morrisons or indeed any supermarket in the last 3 years then you should seek legal advice. First4Lawyers have a panel of solicitors who can help you with this and you will keep 100% of any compensation.