Lack of health and safety activity leads to Leicester company's prosecution

A failure to respond adequately to advice from its health and safety enforcement authority led to a Crown Court appearance and a heavy fine for TJ’s Fast Food Limited of Stocking Farm, Leicester.
Initially, during June 2004, Leicester City Council environmental health officers visited the site where packaging and ingredients are prepared for fast food outlets, instructing it to act upon a number of health and safety concerns.
A follow-up visit in January 2005 revealed little action had been taken to address these issues raised and Leicester City Council prosecuted over 16 breaches of health and safety regulations, including a lack of health and safety management regarding risk assessments for working practises and providing safe working instructions.
The company was also convicted of failing to store liquid petroleum gas properly, having inadequate first aid facilities for staff and failing to check the premises for material containing asbestos.
TJ’s Fast Food Ltd admitted the breaches for which it was fined a total of £28,000, with £7,500 costs.

Comment:
“Companies need to make sure they are complying with health and safety law and managing health and safety in the same way as their regular business activities. If they had listened to my advice this would not have reached court.” - City Council environmental health officer.
“This is a lesson for all businesses in Leicester regarding health and safety compliance. We are here to advise and assist businesses to comply with the regulations, but we will take action against companies that flout the law.” - City Council health and safety team manager.