Injury risks you face as a restaurant worker

 Posted on May 16, 2018 in Firm News

A restaurant or food service environment is an inherently dangerous place, and your risk of suffering a serious on-the-job injury increases if your place of employment fails to train you properly or follow recommended safety protocols. Many restaurant and food service environments present similar risks for workers, meaning the hazards faced by employees of, say, fast food establishments are often quite similar to those faced by workers in high-end dining atmospheres.

Just what types of specific injury risks and hazards do you face as a restaurant or food service worker?

Repetitive motion injuries

Repetitive motion injuries are some of the most common types of injuries suffered by today’s restaurant and hospitality workers. The nature of your job likely means that you likely regularly carry, lift or move heavy loads, which might include carrying trays, moving furniture or unloading heavy food and kitchen deliveries. Repeating such actions can lead to sprains, strains and associated problems, and such injuries may become increasingly common for employees who tend to favor one side of their body over the other when working.

Burn injuries

Burns are also a common occurrence in many restaurant environments, due in part because of the hot liquids, foods, plates and cooktops that are a part of restaurant life. The fast-paced nature of most restaurant environments furthers the chances of workers suffering burn injuries, and such injuries are common among front-of-house staff members, as well as those who hold back-of-house roles.

Slip-and-fall injuries

Regrettably, many restaurant workers also suffer serious injuries after falling on the job. Spilled liquids and regular floor cleanings can cause liquid and water to pool on slick surfaces, posing a threat to servers, food runners, managers and kitchen workers. Tables, chairs and other employees, and particularly within tight quarters, can also contribute to a restaurant worker’s chance of falling.

A restaurant or food service environment is an inherently dangerous place. However, having effective safety guidelines in place and undergoing thorough training with regard to safety can reduce your chances of suffering such an injury yourself.