On Monday, 9 November, we wrote that the manager of the Carrefour store in Bolesławiec ordered her subordinate to unload two heavy pallets of goods within half an hour. Ewelina Schweizer returned home and lost consciousness. She was taken to hospital, where she received a series of injections. A surgeon determined that she had suffered an overuse injury to her spine.
The woman says that if the incident is not recognised as a workplace accident, she will file a claim with the labour court and bring a civil action against the Carrefour corporation (see the full article Employee wants to sue Carrefour).
Maria Cieślikowska, Director of External Communications and PR at Carrefour Polska, addressed the information contained in our report today. Below, we present her statement:
With reference to the publication that appeared on 9 November 2009 on the www.istotneinformacje.pl portal, we would like to inform you that the incident which took place on 31 October of this year at the Carrefour hypermarket in Bolesławiec is being thoroughly investigated by us. For this purpose, a special committee has been appointed which, together with an occupational health and safety inspector, is tasked with analysing the matter professionally and very thoroughly.
We wish to emphasise unequivocally that Carrefour always accepts responsibility for its employees and does not leave them without assistance. Therefore, if it turns out that Ms Ewelina suffered a workplace accident, we will proceed in accordance with all the procedures and obligations incumbent on an employer in such a situation. Carrefour is prepared to finance the costs of treatment and rehabilitation, and will also make every effort to help Ms Ewelina return to full fitness and ability to work.
Maria Cieślikowska
Director of External Communications and PR
Carrefour Polska
We will return to this matter.