WHSmith fined £337,500 after customer falls through trapdoor

Newsagent chain WHSmith has been fined £337,500 after a customer fell almost three metres through a trapdoor, suffering serious injuries.

WHSmith pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches leading to the fine, after the trapdoor at its Taunton store, located in the greetings card isle, was left open. The retailer has apologised and said that it has made changes since the incident. Local authorities confirmed WHSmith had locked the trapdoor and completed a risk assessment.

Taunton Dean Borough Council said that a member of staff standing by the trapdoor at the time of the incident “grabbed for the falling customer, and managed to grab hold of her, but not to stop her fall”. Following the incident the woman was rushed to hospital where she needed three operations to rebuild her heel.

Councillor Patrick Berry, said “A customer suffered serious injuries as a result of failings in safety procedures at the Taunton WHSmith store.

“One of our top priorities is the wellbeing of people in our borough, so I hope the size of this fine serves as a warning to all businesses, that the health and safety of all who use their premises – be they customers, employees or other visitors, is paramount.”

The retailer pleaded guilty to the health and safety breaches at Taunton Magistrates Court in May this year. At a hearing at the same court on Wednesday (31 October), WHSmith was fined £168,750 for each of the two counts of breaching health and safety laws. It was also ordered to pay £135,492.66 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

Retail Sector has contacted WHSmith for comment however it is yet to receive a formal response.