Restaurant employers have a unique opportunity to develop safe work habits in young workers and enhance the culture of safety in the food service industry. Workers in the fast-paced food service industry frequently encounter hazards such as sharp knives, hot liquids and heavy trays. Inexperience and eagerness can make young workers particularly vulnerable to injury. Effective training, supervision and well-maintained equipment are critical in ensuring young worker safety.
Tips for working safely in the food service industry include the following:
- When working around sharp or hazardous kitchen equipment, get the proper training and follow safe work procedures.
- Avoid overloading trays, use safe lifting techniques, balance the load by putting heavier items in the center and carry trays as close to the body as possible.
- To avoid slips and trips, clean floors regularly, clean up spills immediately, use warning signs for wet floors and wear non-slip footwear.
- Keep your vision unobstructed and ask for help when needed.
- Identify potential hazards at different stages of food preparation and service, and follow control procedures and practices carefully.
- Proper handling procedures for organic products and chemicals, personal protective equipment such as gloves and hairnets, and good personal hygiene are important pieces of a hazard prevention program.
Bon appétit!