Workplace Safety Tips for Restaurant Workers

Food service is a multibillion-dollar industry that employs more than 14 million people in the United States. If you work in the food service industry, you should take a proactive approach towards safety. Each year, tens of thousands of restaurant workers are injured on the job, with injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.

OSHA Requirements

As with all industries, food service employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to "Furnish to each of his/her employees a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his/her employees." Employers found in violation of this rule could be subject to fines or other penalties.

Heavy Lifting

Food service workers are often required to lift heavy objects, whether it's a shipment of vegetables or new equipment. Unfortunately, this places workers at risk for various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as a pulled muscle or herniated disc. To prevent such injuries, workers should be trained to lift heavy objects by bending their legs, not their back. And if a box or package is too heavy for a single worker to lift, he or she should seek help from another worker.

Burns

Among the most common types of injuries sustained by food service workers are burns. From hot plates and heat lamps to cooking oil and flat grills, there are dozens of ways for a worker to burn him or herself while on the job. Employers should train workers to be aware of hot surface, placing warning signs in the appropriate area.

Slip-and-Falls

In addition to burns, another all-too-common type of injured faced by restaurant workers is slip-and-falls. Restaurants typically have flat floors in the back of house (e.g. hardwood or tile). As a result, spilled drinks or liquid can create a dangerous scenario for unsuspecting workers. Use area rugs to cover slippery areas and require that all workers wear non-slip shoes to prevent incidents such as this from occurring.

Cuts

Even front-of-house restaurants are susceptible to cuts and lacerations. Perhaps they are cutting lemons and accidentally nick themselves, or maybe they grab a knife the wrong way. Regardless, workers should use caution when handling sharp objects to avoid cuts.