Safety in the Workplace: Explorable Resources for Safety in the Foodservice Industry

 Posted on April 05, 2017 in Workplace Accidents

Food service orientated positions can historically be described as jobs with grueling schedules, low wages, and overall stress producers. As of July 1, 2017, the minimum wage for service oriented jobs will increase from $10.50 to $12.00 per hour. Yet while this wage increase may be a welcome advancement, the one factor that change will elude is the dangerous threat of on-the-job or workplace injuries.

Brian Garry, senior director of foodservice for the Cintas Corporation, recently stated that many operators simply do not anticipate an accident or personal injury and are often left unprepared.

In an effort to better educate owners, managers, and employees, Cintas recently identified the top four personal injuries often suffered by restaurant workers.

Cuts and Puncture Wounds

It is apparent that for those working in the foodservice industry proximity to knives, slicers, and broken glassware and dishes presents a high risk for cuts and puncture wounds. If left untreated this type of injury can lead to a serious infection.

Surface Burns

Another hazard to restaurant workers is the dangers of boiling water, fryers, and extremely hot cook top surfaces. It is estimated that 12,000 reported cases of burns can be contributed on an annual basis within the foodservice industry. Moreover, it is projected that the actual number ranges higher as many incidents are left unreported.

Haphazard Sprains and Strains

Often, a restaurant service area is not laid out properly and workers find themselves stretching for hard-to-reach items which can result in muscle strain. Additionally, the team may not have received the proper education on safely lifting heavy products.

Eye Injuries

Injuries to the eyes are the common in the foodservice industry in relation to splashes from hot grease or coming into improper contact with chemicals often used to sanitize an establishment. Proper training on the use of said chemicals is deemed necessary to prevent long-term eye damage or even blindness.

The State of California, Department of Industrial Relations is also instrumental in the research and education of all occupations, including the foodservice industry. The agency offers educational etools to both employers and employees to reduce the rate of on-the-job personal injuries and preventable accidents.

Whether you just accepted your first job or want to provide your employer or safety committee with additional safety suggestions, please visit https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/puborder.asp#RS to review the etools available to reduce the risk of a workplace injury within the foodservice industry.

Speak with a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you recently suffered a workplace injury and believe your employer was negligent, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact San Jose workplace injury attorney John J. Garvey, III at 408-293-7777 to learn more about the firm’s comprehensive legal services today.

Sources:

https://www.indeed.com/q-Restaurant-Team-Member-l-San-Jose,-CA-jobs.html

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/puborder.asp#Stress

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/RsgDosDontsEn.pdf#zoom=100

http://www.sanjoseca.gov/minimumwage

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/top-four-restaurant-injuries