Article by Lindsay Cleghorn
You know what a busy night at a restaurant looks like right? The chaos that ensues between orders being called, bells being rung, and the notorious ‘BEHIND!’ being shouted as you cross the kitchen. Working in a restaurant requires long hours and oftentimes- constant motion, whether you’re a waiter or waitress, busser, chef, or manager, chances are you’re constantly moving during a meal rush.
With everyone buzzing around at a rapid pace, its easy to drop, spill, or break something and cause a disruption in the workflow that can ultimately cost you money whether it’s through time, tips, profit, or even workman’s comp claims.
Without an understanding of safety hazards and prevention techniques, you could find yourself with serious injuries and hefty financial losses.
Check out our list of common accidents and work safety tips to help prevent workplace accidents and make your restaurant safer:
Most Common Accidents
While there are numerous accidents that can occur at any given time, here are three accidents that happen frequently and but with a little effort, can be avoided.
- Slip and Fall accidents
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Burns
Education and Prevention
While you can never completely prevent accidents, here are a few things that can be done to keep you and your workplace environment safer:
- Utilize non-slip mats in slip prone areas like around sinks
- Ensure that employees wear slip resistant footwear
- Have employees wear cut-resistant gloves when handling sharp blades
- Keep slicers and other dangerous equipment maintained at all times
- Ensure that employees use oven mitts when handling hot pans
In addition to these tips, providing employees with educational materials is an effective way to train them to identify hazards and highlight ways to perform their jobs without getting injured.
It’s also crucial to have the appropriate emergency supplies on hand so injuries can be treated immediately.
There will always be the potential for accidents to happen when you are working in a restaurant environment. Practicing preventative kitchen techniques and safety tips can help you lower your odds of having an injury occur at work.
Want to learn more about SR Max® products and services? Check us out at srmax.com.