A weighing scale and a load cell assembly therefor, the weighing scale including: (a) a weighing platform; (b) a base; and (c) a load cell arrangement including: (i) a load cell body, disposed below the platform and above the base, the body secured to the platform at a first position along a length of the body, and secured to the base at a second position along the length, the load cell body having a first cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the window adapted such that a downward force exerted on a top face of the weighing platform distorts the window to form a distorted window; and (ii) at least one strain-sensing gage, mounted on at least a first surface of the load cell body, the strain-sensing gage adapted to measure a strain in the first surface; and (d) an at least a one-dimensional flexure arrangement having at least a second cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the second cutout window shaped and positioned to at least partially absorb an impact delivered to a top surface of the load cell body.