Supermarket fined after ignoring advice about fitting a particular type of floor tiles

A major supermarket was fined after ignoring advice about fitting a particular type of floor tiles in food preparation areas of one of its new stores - despite them being a known slip hazard in other outlets.

Workers reported being more prone to slip on the tiles when food or drink was spilled on them. The local council advised the supermarket to use alternatives during the planning phase, but the advice was ignored - making the retailer guilty of failing to ensure that the surfaces were fit for purpose.

This case illustrates that the type of floor surface is a key control measure in reducing the number of slips in the workplace. It shows the importance of employers taking seriously their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Workplace Regulations, designing out known health and safety risks at a early stage of any planned new build or refurbishment. The supermarket has now corrected the situation and all their new builds now have appropriate flooring installed.