Four Common Restaurant Safety Risks

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.9 million workplace injuries were reported in 2015. Of that 2.9 million, nearly 2.8 million (a staggering 97 percent) of those injuries occurred in service industries including restaurants, bars and coffee shops. On-the-job injuries and illnesses can have many negative effects including lower employee productivity and morale, increased workers’ compensation claims and fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for unsafe working conditions. With such staggering statistics, it’s important for restaurant owners to foster a safe workplace.

One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of a workplace accident is to identify common causes and implement proper safety measures.

Here are four common risks restaurant owners can address to make their businesses safer.

It’s a good idea to post emergency contact information as well as the name, number and location of the closest hospital or urgent care clinic in an area where employees can quickly find it. EMPLOYERS® also offers its policyholders access to a 24-hour telephone hotline, staffed by registered nurses from in-network medical providers. This injured employee hotline allows injured workers to get a fast and professional medical consultation without a potentially unnecessary and costly trip to an emergency room.

For more information on restaurant safety, including signage and other resources, contact your state’s department of labor, OSHA, your insurance agent or insurance carrier. Knowing how to identify and prevent the most common restaurant safety hazards can help you protect your business’ most valuable asset – your employees.