Day 085 - 08 Feb 95 - Page 17


     
     1   Q.   So running is considered to be unsafe, basically?  It is an
     2        unsafe practice that should not happen or you do not mind
     3        if employees run?
     4        A.  We prefer employees not to run because it is more
     5        dangerous than walking.
     6
     7   Q.   Is it acceptable for employees to run or not?
     8        A.  It depends in what circumstance, I guess, but we are
     9        not so authoritarian that we put a dictate out that:  "You
    10        shall not run under any circumstances"; rather we define
    11        what we mean by "hustle" which is speed and efficiency and,
    12        effectively, getting the customers' order ready as quickly
    13        as possible without compromising safety is the way that we
    14        explain it to them.
    15
    16   Q.   But is it acceptable for employees to run in the kitchen
    17        area, for example?
    18        A.  No.  We would tell people not to run in the kitchen
    19        area.
    20
    21   Q.   That is because, presumably, it is an unsafe environment if
    22        you fall or whatever, hot surfaces, yes?
    23        A.  We prefer employees not to run, that is right.
    24
    25   Q.   Do you have any written specification or guideline on
    26        employees not running so that managers know how you feel
    27        about it?
    28        A.  I cannot think that we put down anywhere that "you
    29        shall not run", although we do define quite specifically
    30        what we mean by "hustle".
    31
    32   Q.   But would you agree that a kitchen area is a potentially
    33        hazardous area and employees should take that seriously?
    34        A.  We should take it seriously and train them to
    35        understand that they should avoid accidents.
    36
    37   Q.   What would you say about the next sentence:  "In some cases
    38        the need to get the product to the customer and maximise
    39        sales in competition with other restaurants compromises
    40        safety" or "may compromise safety", would you agree with
    41        that?
    42        A.  Can I just read it?
    43
    44   Q.   That sales pressure can compromise safety?
    45        A.  Could I just read the paragraph you are referring to?
    46
    47   Q.   Yes, please do, yes.  It is 5.5.
    48
    49   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  The second sentence does not, strictly
    50        construed, make a lot of sense but what I take it to mean 
    51        is that there are some restaurants where there was such a 
    52        priority on speed that safety is compromised? 
    53        A.  With your interpretation, I would say that is not the
    54        case.  I would say that because of the first thing within
    55        our management training that we say that of paramount
    56        importance is the health and safety of employees.
    57
    58   MR. MORRIS:  But is it not a fair and standard approach to see
    59        where in operating a system such as yours, or it could be
    60        anything, that there may be areas of concern that may

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