Restaurant waitstaff are some of the hardest-working people around. Being in constant motion throughout an 8-hour shift can be exhausting for anyone.
Restaurants are also full of workplace hazards, and it’s not uncommon for wait staff to receive a workplace injury. That can be financially devastating for someone who relies on their paycheck and tips to provide for their family. Here are the three most common hazards for restaurant wait staff, along with tips for staying safe:
1. Slips and falls
Floors in kitchens can become slippery due to spills of drinks, grease or food. High-traffic areas with people, tables and chairs become trip hazards. It should be no surprise that slips and falls are among the most common workplace accidents in restaurants.
Often, a fall results in minor bruises. But they’ve also resulted in more serious injuries such as sprains, fractures and head trauma.
Wearing slip-resistant shoes with special soles provides a better grip on slippery surfaces. Several companies specialize in designing shoes for restaurant staff. Spills should also be cleaned up as soon as possible, with wet floor signs in place to warn staff and customers.
2. Repetitive strain injuries
Wait staff often repeat the same motions. Over time, the tasks of carrying heavy trays, balancing plates and bending over to serve customers can strain muscles, tendons and joints. Injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in restaurants.
Chronic pain and reduced mobility make it difficult to perform work tasks and could lead to time off work and medical intervention in the form of rehabilitation or surgery.
Practicing proper lifting techniques when lifting heavy items can help distribute the weight evenly. Utilize serving carts and tray stands to reduce the need for carrying heavy loads, and stretch regularly to relieve tension and maintain flexibility.
3. Exposure to hot surfaces
Wait staff often handle hot plates and beverages. These everyday tasks can lead to burns. In severe cases, an employee may require medical attention.
Staff should be equipped with burn-resistant gloves or handler pads when carrying hot dishes. Using phrases such as “hot plate behind you” when moving through high-traffic areas can prevent unnecessary accidents.
Adhering to safe work practices and using the proper equipment can prevent many accidents in the workplace. However, they can and will still happen. Fortunately, workers’ compensation insurance can cover medical expenses resulting from a workplace injury. It can even cover lost wages, so if a restaurant employee needs time off from work to recover from their injury, they have the assurance that they can still provide for their family.