Lift firm fined after injury 
to shop worker

On August 11, 2009 a member of staff at TJ Hughes in Doncaster was seriously injured when the goods lift in the store fell from the first floor into the lift pit.

The ropes had given away, causing the lift car to fall. The emergency brakes also failed to deploy.

Following a prosecution by Doncaster Council, Advance Lifts Ltd of Chiswick High Road in London, was fined £5,000 plus £3,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Advance Lifts had been responsible for servicing and maintenance, and had also been responsible for a previous refurbishment of the counterweight shaft.

The firm pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Deputy Mayor of DoncasterCoun Cynthia Ransome said: “This was a very serious accident which could have killed the member of staff involved.

“Health and safety of local people is paramount for us and Doncaster Council takes strong action against those who fail in their duties.”