A cash machine maintenance worker has received £10,500 in compensation after slipping outside a Tesco supermarket.

The GMB member from Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire was replenishing a cash machine at the supermarket in Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead when the accident happened.

A sewer drain had overflowed coating the pavement in slime causing the Group 4 Securicor worker to fall. He suffered soft tissue injuries to his hip, spine and knee. He also tore the cartilage in his knee.

The 62-year-old had to take four months off work following the incident and still suffers from pain in his back and groin.

No signs warning of danger

Although staff at Tesco were aware of the hazard no signs had been put up warning customers about the danger.

Following the accident he contacted the GMB because he was concerned about the money he had lost by being on sick leave.

The GMB instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation.

Tesco admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.

Four months sick leave, losing substantial wages

The injured man said: “I was angry after this accident happened because it soon became apparent that Tesco staff were aware of the problem. This slip meant I had to take four months sick leave, losing substantial wages which I could otherwise have been earning. I felt it was only right that I received compensation.”

Rosie Conroy from the GMB said: “This accident could easily have been prevented. The area should have been cordoned off and hazard signs placed nearby to alert pedestrians to the problem. Staff only attempted to make the surface safe after the claimant’s accident when it was too late.”

Karen Onojaife from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Tesco has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure members of the public are safe when visiting the supermarket. Although Tesco were aware of the hazard they failed to protect visitors to the premises while they were waiting for contractors to arrive to fix the problem.”