Restaurants are often glamorized on television shows that feature famous chefs, but television usually does not show the extreme dangers of the restaurant industry. In reality, restaurants are full of hazards that can result in serious work injuries. All employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace, but even in environments where employers strive to comply with the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, accidents can still happen.
Common Injuries
Restaurants are full of dangers for workers, some of the most common injuries among restaurant workers include:
- Sprains and strains: All kinds of musculoskeletal disorders can result from heavy lifting jobs, reaching across tables or stoves, unloading goods, stocking pantries or refrigerated storerooms, and other common tasks in restaurants.
- Burns: Gas stoves, hot ovens, heated equipment, hot frying oil, steam, and hot water are all dangerous sources that cause burn injuries for restaurant workers.
- Cuts and lacerations: Knives, meat slicers, grinding equipment, and broken glass can cause serious injuries.
- Slip and falls: A slip and fall can happen at any time. The most common areas for slip and fall accidents include parking lots, kitchens, and dining rooms. Snow, ice, wet or uneven floors, oil, and grease are also common causes of restaurant slip and fall accidents.
- Repetitive stress Injuries: Many common tasks in restaurants require workers to perform the same tasks repeatedly, such as chopping, slicing, serving, and cooking. Over time, this impacts the body and injuries can result, like carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries.
- Injuries from workplace violence: Unfortunately, workplace violence is common in the restaurant industry. Assaults by co-workers, armed robbers, and angry customers can cause catastrophic injuries.
Preventing Restaurant Injuries
There are many things employers can do to minimize the risk of injury in the restaurant environment, such as:
- Cleaning up spills and broken glassware immediately.
- Using signs to designate wet floors.
- Keeping walkways clutter-free.
- Maintaining equipment and using safety guards.
- Training staff on good ergonomic postures for lifting and serving.
- Limiting the amount of cash on site and implement an emergency safety plan.
Workers’ Compensation for Restaurant Injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits are available for restaurant workers who were injured at work. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, medications, treatments, lost wages, and temporary or permanent disabilities.
If you become injured while working at your restaurant job, you should report your injury immediately to your supervisor and seek medical care. Many workers fear retaliation for reporting an injury or taking time off to heal, but this is against the law. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can explain your rights and help you file a claim for benefits.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Represent Injured Restaurant Workers
If you sustained a workplace injury, you may be eligible for compensation. Our experienced Downingtown workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC will fight for you to get the maximum compensation available for your case. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 today to schedule a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.
