Labour Research October 2002

Features: Health and safety matters

KFC fined over attacks

Fast food giant KFC has been found guilty under health and safety legislation after a series of violent and racist attacks on its employees over a two-year period. Ealing Council prosecuted KFC after an environmental health officer discovered that Sri Lankan staff in six Ealing outlets had reported 17 serious incidents against them between 1999 and 2001. The company was found guilty of health and safety breaches relating to the attacks and other safety offences, including the failure to assess risks to staff and to provide adequate security measures. KFC were fined £9,500, plus £6,500 costs.