Faulty Drawer at Work Injury Compensation Awarded to Pharmacist

A woman, who damaged her back when attempting to open a stiff drawer in the pharmacy at which she worked, has been awarded 8,000 pounds in faulty drawer at work compensation.

The woman, who has only been identified as “JL”, was an employee of Boots the Chemists in January 2008 when her injury occurred. While stocking shelves and drawers in the dispensary, she attempted to open a drawer on a carousel situated at waist height. The drawer was extremely stiff and, as she tugged at it with both hands, the woman sustained an injury to her back.

“JL”´s doctor diagnosed a disc prolapse – a diagnosis which was confirmed in preparation of her claim for faulty drawer at work compensation – and “JL” was advised to refrain from heavy duties. Although “JL” returned to work in May 2008, it was on much reduced hours and she was unable to return to full employment until February 2009.

 After seeking legal advice “JL” made a claim for faulty drawer at work injury compensation against her employers, alleging that Boots were in breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 reg.4 and reg.5 because the drawer was not functioning properly and it had not been maintained in good working order

“JL” further alleged that she had received inadequate training about what to do in such circumstances, had been exposed to danger and foreseeable risk of injury and that Boots had therefore exposed her to an unsafe system of work. Boots denied the claims and the case was taken to court. However, after “JL” had presented her evidence, Boots agreed to an out-of-court settlement of her claim amounting to 8,000 pounds without admission of liability.