The restaurant industry provides employment for thousands of people across Virginia. While serving customers day and night can be hard work, the majority of employees manage to do this without too much cause for concern.
However, the restaurant industry can be hazardous and there are a number of work-related injuries in this sector each year. Outlined below are some of the more common injuries in the restaurant business.
Injuries to chefs
Kitchens are synonymous with heat, especially in a commercial setting. Stoves, fryers, pans and open flames are just some of the heat sources that chefs need to be wary of. A spill of hot oil, a flame that gets out of control and a hot handle on a pan all have the potential to cause serious burns.
Because kitchens emit so much heat, chefs also need to be careful about overheating. Ideally, restaurants should ensure that their kitchens have air conditioning. Chefs must also have access to sufficient rest breaks.
Risks for front-of-house staff
It’s not only chefs who face risks in the restaurant industry, but so too do front-of-house staff. Servers also handle hot food and other potentially hazardous substances which may cause burns. Bartenders and hosts can sometimes end up in physical altercations with belligerent patrons.
Everyone is at risk for slips and falls
Perhaps the most notorious source of injury for restaurant workers is slip-and-fall accidents. These are a danger to both chefs and front-of-house staff. Thus, it’s important that careful procedures are followed when dealing with spills and other trip hazards.
You work hard and you shouldn’t have to face unnecessary risks on top of that. If you have been injured on the job, make sure you look into your legal options.
