Safety Hazard in Shoprite Store!

On Wednesday the 17th Sept, I walked in Shoprite Tsakane corner (Ekurhuleni) to get a few items after 07h00 am. When I got to the fridges to get butter, I was instantly hit by big camp chairs more than 30 on my head, body (back and arms) from the top of the fridges. a guy had been packing the chairs and all of them fell on me. When i came back to my senses, the manager did not know what to do. I immediately asked about their safety protocols and if they have a safety officer or a doctor who can assist me. the manger did not know what to do, instead all the staff were apologising to me and the manager told me that i must see a doctor myself or go to the nearest hospital, they cant do anything for me. When I asked who will cover the bills, she said they will submit a claim to their insurance after I've been treated.

This is appalling! Shoprite is a big business in South Africa and for them to contravene the Occupational Health and Safety Act is unexplainable. The staff that was loading the chairs on top of the fridge was not wearing any protective clothing or helmet, no signs that labelled any work being done above the customer's heads, the items being loaded on the fridges were not secured that's why the whole stock fell on me.

The irony of this incident is that it happened on the eve of the Red special where a lot of people will be rushing to get the sale items and possible stampede could happen and yet the business does not have mitigation measures in place for any dangers that could happen. The manager confirmed several times that they don't have any policy on safety or any emergency protocol. She mentioned that she's not even from the area so she doesn't know anything. All the Shoprite stores in South Africa have kitchens, bakeries and accidents can happen. How are they allowed to operate without such in place?

If they do have, when last did the Department of Labour actually inspect their compliance in this case. This is a business that operates in a lot of black communities that has set an example of generating their own electricity even when there are power outages through solar panels and yet they fail to ensure that the customers are safe. I have seen other stores where they would implement safety precautions when moving or loading stock in protection of their customers.

I'm writing this with battered and bruised head, shoulder and body that I'm told they will cover my medical bills. And here again, I'm made to feel like I'm after money! yes my medical bills must be covered and yet who will make Shoprite comply and ensure that customers are safe in their stores? For me, its a principle that must be upheld and measures must be put in place to mitigate such incidences. I keep wondering if this happened to a toddler or a child as they do come in the stores, what then? @Department of Labour and @Shoprite South Africa must be held accountable.