A shopper who slippped on a pallet loading dolly at Tesco’s Haslemere store was left with a broken hip while the supermarket giant was fined £47,000 after a successful prosecution by Waverley Borough Council.

As a result of the accident the customer also spent 24 nights in hospital and is still undergoing physiotherapy.

Waverley brough proceedings after a RIDDOR (reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations) report was received from the store.

Council environmental health officers visited the Wey Hill store following notification an accident had taken place.

They undertook an investigation which identified four breaches of health and safety legislation.

Tesco Stores pleaded guilty to four offences at Redhill Magistrates‘ Court, on December 8.

In addition to a £47,000 fine, Tesco was ordered to pay Waverley’s costs in bringing the case to court of £4,599.57 and was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

Kevin Deanus, borough councillor for operational services said: “Waverley’s environmental health officers provide an often unnoticed service, protecting the public behind the scenes.

“This case shows the professionalism of the service in carrying out a thorough investigation leading to a successful prosecution.

“I hope it will help ensure the safety of customers in future.”

The offences were:–

• Failure to comply with the 2013 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations by not following procedures when reporting an injury to a person not at work

• Contravening the 1999 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations by not adhering to set procedures for the monitoring of hazards

• Two offences related to the employers’ failure to discharge their duties in relation to the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act in relation to their duty to protect the health and safety of customers and staff.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We continue to extend our apologies to our customer for the distress that’s been caused. We respect this judgment on this regrettable isolated incident, and will review the findings to ensure we tackle any further changes that need to be made.”