When people eat at a restaurant, they sit and peacefully chat over a glass of wine while a server is meeting their every need. They are oblivious to everything that goes on behind the scenes.

From spilling drinks to breaking glasses, there are numerous things that could go wrong in the restaurant business. From the servers to the chefs, all the employees are at risk for injury while on the job. It is the job of the restaurant’s owner to help mitigate such risk.

Here’s a list of the most common restaurant injuries and how they occur.

1. Stovetops, friers, and boiling water create a high risk for burns.
2. Reaching for top-shelf items and improper lifting cause strains and sprains.
3. Sanitizing chemicals and splashing grease can cause eye injuries.
4. Lacerations are caused by the constant use of knives and picking up broken dishes.

These things are dangerous and can cause severe injuries. With the fast-paced environment of a restaurant, the importance of safety can oftentimes be overlooked by the employees. It’s important to continually emphasize safety within your business.

To help prevent burns:

• Avoid wearing loose clothing and roll sleeves when necessary.
• Never leave hot oil unattended.
• Remember to use pot holders.
• Never lean over the fryer.

To help prevent sprains:

• To avoid sprains, you must lift heavy loads properly. This can be done by bringing the load close to you before lifting. Then, keep your head up, back straight, and bend at your knees, lifting with your legs, not your back.
• If the load is too heavy, ask for help.

To help prevent eye injuries:

• Do not rub your eyes after handling chemicals.
• If necessary, wear protective eyewear.

To help prevent lacerations:

• Use a cutting board.
• Use a freshly sharpened knife.
• Keep others aware after you’ve sharpened a knife.
• Never attempt to catch a falling knife.
• Slow down and know your skill level.

By: KayLynn P.