When Safety Breaks Down: HR Lessons from the Paris Baguette Factory Tragedy (by Samantha Kim)

Introduction

As someone who has worked in the food industry for the past three years, first at a small local café and now at Paris Baguette, I’ve seen how labor and safety laws protect workers in real time. It’s interesting to see how these rules actually play out on the job and how they shape our daily routines. The United States has a mixed reputation when it comes to sanitation and workplace standards, but compared to many other countries, we still have strong enforcement and awareness. I was reminded of a story from South Korea that made me think about what happens when those systems fail. The Paris Baguette factory accident in 2022 is a tragic example of how ignoring safety can lead to devastating consequences and reveals the importance of human resource management (HRM) in the food industry.

The Paris Baguette Factory Accident

In October 2022, a 23-year-old woman working at an SPC Group factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, was killed in a workplace accident. SPC is the parent company of Paris Baguette, where I currently work. The employee was working the night shift alone, operating a large saucemixing machine, when her upper body was pulled inside. Reports later showed that she should not have been working alone and that the machine lacked proper safety sensors and emergency stops (Today Online, 2022).

The company’s response made the public outrage even worse. Production reportedly continued the next day, and employees who worked near the accident site were told to keep working next to the covered machine (Yahoo News, 2022). Many people were also angry that the company sent boxes of its own bread to the worker’s funeral, which came across as insensitive. Within days, Koreans began boycotting Paris Baguette and other SPC brands, and local franchise owners reported sales dropping by about 30 percent (SFGate, 2022).

SPC’s chairman later apologized and promised to invest 100 billion won, about 70 million U.S. dollars, over three years to improve worker safety (Today Online, 2022). But by then, the damage to the company’s image and reputation was already done.

How HRM Failed

From an HRM perspective, this was not just an accident. It showed major failures in safety, communication, and company culture.

Safety should always be the first priority. According to Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, things like safety, pay, and fair treatment are “hygiene factors,” meaning that when they’re missing, employees become dissatisfied or unsafe (Herzberg, 1959). The fact that this worker was alone on dangerous equipment with no safety guards shows that even the most basic protections were ignored.

Another issue was the lack of employee voice. Workers should be able to report unsafe conditions without fear. After the accident, it was reported that employees had already complained about long hours and short staffing, but nothing changed (Hankyoreh, 2022). When HR doesn’t listen, small issues grow into serious problems.

Lastly, the company’s culture didn’t match its brand. Paris Baguette presents itself as warm and family-friendly, but that image collapses when employees are treated as replaceable. HR should make sure that the internal environment reflects the values the brand promotes.

What HR Overlooked

One of the most disturbing parts of this story was that workers were told to continue working beside the site of the accident. That shows how little care was given to their mental health. HR isn’t just about enforcing rules; it’s about supporting people when something goes wrong. In this case, HR should have provided counseling, time off, and open communication about what would change moving forward. Instead, the company focused on production and public image, which made the situation worse.

Lessons for Food and Hospitality HR

Even though this happened in South Korea, it’s a lesson for everyone in food service and hospitality. Whether it’s a bakery, a restaurant, or a hotel, the same HR principles apply.

First, safety must be part of HR’s strategy. Employees need proper training and regular safety checks. Second, workers need to feel heard through reporting systems that actually lead to action. Third, HR must make sure all employees, especially part-time or temporary ones, get equal protection. Lastly, psychological safety matters too. When accidents or crises occur, HR should offer counseling and emotional support. In hospitality, where people are the core of the business, mental health is part of workplace safety.

A Reflection

Working at Paris Baguette in the U.S., this story really hit home. It’s hard to imagine something like that happening under the same company name where I work. But it’s also a reminder of why HR matters. Good HR isn’t just about managing schedules or hiring; it’s about protecting lives and creating a culture of respect. The Paris Baguette tragedy shows how quickly things can fall apart when safety and empathy are ignored. No product or profit is worth more than a worker’s life. Behind every loaf of bread, every pastry, and every cup of coffee is a person who deserves to go home safely. When businesses remember that, they build stronger, safer, and more trustworthy workplaces.

Questions for Thoughts

1. How can companies in the food and hospitality industry create a balance between maintaining productivity and ensuring employee safety, especially in fast-paced work environments?
2. In what ways can HR departments encourage employees to speak up about unsafe or unfair working conditions without fear of retaliation or being ignored?

Self-Introduction

Hi! My name is Samantha Kim, and I’m a third-year Hospitality Management student at Cal Poly Pomona. I’ve been working in the restaurant industry for about three and a half years, which has taught me so much about teamwork, customer service, and what it takes to make guests feel welcome. I love the fast-paced energy of hospitality and how every day brings something new. After graduation, my goal is to work in banquet management at Disney, where I can help create unforgettable experiences for guests and continue growing in an industry I’m passionate about.

References

Hankyoreh. (2022, October 17). 23-year-old worker crushed to death in SPC factory accident; worker’s union says negligence to blame. https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1063691.html    

SFGate. (2022, October 26). Korean chain Paris Baguette boycotted after fatal factory accident. https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/korean-chain-paris-baguette-boycotted17534053.php

Today Online. (2022, October 18). Koreans boycott Paris Baguette after worker dies at factory. https://www.todayonline.com/world/koreans-boycott-paris-baguette-2030166

Yahoo News. (2022, October 18). Public anger rises over Paris Baguette’s handling of fatal accident. https://www.yahoo.com/news/koreans-boycott-paris-baguette-mishandling222051523.html

Herzberg, F. (1959). The motivation to work. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

Note: The picture of Paris Baguette was downloaded from the South China Morning Post. Samatha Kim submitted this article as an assignment for Dr. Linchi Kwok's HRT 3500 Management of Human Resources in Hospitality course taught at Cal Poly Pomona.