Tesco employee sues customer over injury caused by 'depressed driveway'

I've just been reading an article in the Daily Mail about a Tesco customer who is being sued by a delivery driver of the supermarket giant.

Apparently, the employee, Andrew Britton, had 'gone over on his ankle' on customer Paul Singleton's drive while unloading his shopping.

Britton assured Singleton he was fine, yet three months later the estate agent received a letter from Mr Britton's lawyer stating he "inverted his ankle" when he stepped out of the van near the gate.

It continued: "The reason why we are alleging fault is that you failed to maintain the driveway and caused or permitted areas of the driveway immediately in front of the gate to sink and form a depression within the driveway into which our client has stepped and which has caused his injury."

To make matters worse, Tesco has refused to get involved or discuss the incident, claiming it was a "private matter", despite involving a member of its staff allegedly suffering an injury while on duty.

So, who is at fault here (if anyone)? Tell us what you think here.

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Another example of health and safety bureaucracy

Royal Mail, which recently stopped deliveries to a village called Booze, North Yorkshire, due to health and safety concerns, has announced it will restore the service after Booze council agreed to carry out road improvements so postal workers could avoid back injuries, much to the joy of its residents.

Royal Mail had abandoned deliveries there after concerns over the state of the country lane, which health and safety inspectors said posed an "unacceptable" risk.

Yet another unsavoury story ... Isn't it time to stop condemning the profession and let us get on with the job of saving lives? Have a rant in our forums.
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A waste of money?

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has just published a report which states low-risk businesses are basically wasting their money bringing in consultants.

BERR says low-risk businesses could save £140 million a year if 20% sought basic health and safety advice from the HSE and other government sources rather than buying in consultancy.

According to the report, the average company spends 20 hours a year on administration to comply with health and safety regulations, costing more than £350. Do you think it's too much? Tell us in our opinion poll.

Lastly, do you believe low-risk firms are wasting money? Or are you a consultant? What do you have to say about the report? Discuss here.

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Hairy workers sent home

Contractors working on an asbestos removal project were forbidden from continuing work as they were not clean-shaven, according to reports.

The workers were required to wear protective gear, including mouth masks. However, managers said a satisfactory respiratory seal could not be achieved unless the worker is clean shaven.

Do you think this is just another negative story to hit the headlines, or do the managers have a point? Share your views in the discussion forum.