On October 20, 2021, an employee of Jumbo lost his life due to a tragic accident at the Jumbo distribution center in Woerden. The victim was outside the designated smoking area, near a loading dock, when he was hit by a reversing Jumbo truck. The victim died almost instantly as a result of this collision.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) accuses Jumbo of failing to provide a safe working environment for its employees. Jumbo violated Article 32 of the Working Conditions Act. The OM has imposed a penalty order of 50,000 euros on Jumbo.
Criminal Investigation
The Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA) has conducted a criminal investigation into the accident. The investigation revealed that the smoking area set up by Jumbo was unsafe. The smoking area was located next to the loading docks, and the fencing was insufficiently separated from the loading docks and the truck traffic outside the distribution center. Additionally, the reversing signal of the truck in question was turned off, making it inaudible that it was reversing.
Safety Measures Taken by Jumbo
Jumbo has acknowledged that there was an unsafe working environment and has since taken several measures to significantly improve safety on the premises. Following an assessment by a safety expert, the outdoor smoking area has been modified and made safer. All trucks have also been equipped with a reversing signal that is automatically activated with each restart of the vehicle. Due to these improvements, the OM believes that Jumbo does not need to be held accountable in court, and that a penalty order of 50,000 euros is an appropriate resolution in this case.
Financial Compensation to Survivors
During the criminal investigation, Jumbo has cooperated, maintained contact with the survivors, and has taken financial responsibility. In addition to the penalty order, Jumbo will pay an amount to the survivors, which they intend to use for a foundation (focused on development aid) that they wish to establish in the name of the victim.