TESCO has been ordered to pay more than £125,000 after an employee at its Highwoods store suffered chemical burns while cleaning an oven. 

The supermarket giant admitted breaching health and safety regulations after the employee suffered burns to his left eye and eyelid when the corrosive cleaning fluid sprayed back into his face. 

Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard the incident took place on May 5, 2016. 

At the time, the employee was not wearing any personal protective equipment such as goggles or gloves.

The employee also had difficulties in understanding and following both written and verbal instructions - which the manager was also aware of.

An accident report was filed after the incident and was investigated by Colchester Council's health and safety officer.

During an initial investigation, the officer found a partially-used container of the product, which was marked 'corrosive'.

The officer also found safety goggles were available, but were dirty and inadequately stored.

Health and Safety Improvement Notices were subsequently served on the supermarket.

Yesterday, Tesco Stores Ltd pleaded guilty to three offences including failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees.

The company also pleaded guilty to failure to comply with Regulations 6 and 7 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

The firm was handed a fine of £116,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,624.20 and victim surcharge.

The sum must be paid within 28 days.

Tina Bourne, Colchester councillor responsible for communities, said: "Whether your business is big or small, if you fail to meet your duties to protect your employees under health and safety legislation, you run the risk of ending up in court.

"Our role is to protect everyone at the workplace by ensuring that regulations are followed and we are now satisfied that the Tesco Extra store in Highwoods has made improvements and are no longer using the chemical and have reviewed their COSHH assessments.

"I am pleased that this prosecution was successful and I hope that the example prevents other incidents from taking place."