The restaurant industry constantly evolves, but safety measures haven’t changed very much over the last few years.
While every workplace has its own unique hazards, commercial kitchens seem to revolve heavily around certain specific issues. These include:
1. Slips and falls
The kitchen floor can be treacherous terrain, especially during peak hours. Spilled liquids, grease or even a dropped piece of silverware can turn a routine walk into a hazardous journey. Slip and fall injuries can range from minor bruises to serious sprains, tears and fractures, demanding immediate attention and care.
2. Burns
Heat is an essential element in the kitchen, but it also poses a significant risk. Burns from hot surfaces, liquids, or steam are frequent occurrences. Whether it’s a momentary lapse in attention or a malfunctioning appliance, these injuries can have lasting consequences on a worker’s health.
3. Cuts and lacerations
With sharp knives, vegetable and meat slicers and other cutting tools in constant use, the risk of cuts and lacerations is a constant problem for kitchen workers. Even a momentary loss of focus or a slip of the hand can result in severe injuries that require medical intervention and time away from work.
4. Strains and sprains
Repetitive motions, heavy lifting and awkward postures can lead to strains and sprains among the kitchen staff. These injuries might develop over time, impacting a worker’s ability to perform daily tasks and earn a living.
Thousands of workers in full-service restaurants suffer thousands of work-related injuries or illnesses every year – and the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that roughly a third of those injuries end up causing the injured worker to lose wages. If you end up among their number, you may find it easier to get through the claims process and get the benefits you need with legal guidance.
