Restaurant workers are at risk for a variety of work-related injuries due to the nature of their daily duties. Find out how your clients can keep valued employees safer on the job.
As of 2017, the restaurant industry employed 14.7 million people. This ever-changing industry is one of the largest in the country, with over 1 million different establishments and almost $800 billion in annual sales.
With numbers only expected to increase in the coming years, it’s important to keep in mind that restaurants can pose numerous types of workplace hazards that could lead to employee injuries. On a daily basis, common injuries for restaurant workers include:
- Muscle strains and sprains from slips and falls, repetitive motions, standing for long periods of time, or lifting heavy objects.
- Cuts, punctures and scrapes.
- Burns from hot surfaces, fryers or oil.
To help prevent these workplace injuries, encourage your clients to implement the following restaurant safety tips:
1) Maintain clean floors and utilize non-slip mats. Since slips and falls represent the highest restaurant injury risks and account for the most missed time from the workplace, it’s imperative that floors are kept as clean and dry as possible. Daily mopping, periodic deep-cleaning and adding non-slip mats to high traffic areas can help reduce the risk of slips and falls.
2) Wear protective attire and slip-resistant footwear. Employees handling hot pots and pans or working fryers should keep their hands protected and their arms covered with oven mitts, spatter shields or gauntlets. Additionally, help reduce slips and falls by wearing non-slip shoes designed specifically for restaurant workers.
3) Train employees on knife safety. Employees responsible for food prep involving slicing and dicing should understand how to use a their tools properly. Additionally, knives should be kept sharp and stored safely with their blades facing away, and workers should wear cut-resistant gloves to help avoid cuts and punctures.
4) Teach methods for proper lifting and carrying. Lifting and carrying awkward, heavy items can lead to muscle strains in the shoulders, back, neck and legs. Make sure employees know to lift with the legs, not the back, and utilize hand trucks or dollies for objects that weigh over 50 pounds.
5) Keep pathways clear at all times. Restaurant workers tend to move at a quick pace, often while carrying trays full of food or dishes that could easily obstruct their line of sight. Remember to keep high-traffic areas clear of obstructions such as boxes, cords, tray stands or trash cans.
Help your clients reduce the frequency and severity of restaurant workers’ injuries by implementing these safety tips. AmTrust’s loss control department can identify specific hazards and offer solutions that fit restaurant operations. Discover what we cover—contact us today.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors.
