1. Cuts, punctures and scrapes
Cuts and other lacerations are the leading cause of workers compensation claims in restaurants, accounting for 23 percent of all claims. Injuries from sharp objects are common in kitchens. Here are some practices to ensure they’re handled safely.
- All sharp objects should be stored safely and not loosely sitting in drawers are cabinets. All knives should be placed in holders. Forks, scissors and other utensils should be put away safely and properly secured. Use protective covers when applicable.
- Require the use of protective gloves and a cutting board when cutting or operating any sharp utensil.
- Ensure knives stay sharp, as a dull knife can actually be more dangerous because of the increased pressure needed to cut with it.
2. Slips and falls
While these account for 18 percent of all claims and are the second most common cause, slips and falls account for 37 percent of all incurred cost for restaurant workers compensation claims. That’s expensive and dangerous. What can you do to prevent them? Here are a few tips.
- Require slip resistant shoes. Many brands already do this, but it’s important to enforce it and ensure shoes are in quality condition. What good are the shoes if they aren’t functioning as intended?
- Slip resistant mats are a good compliment to your shoe requirement.
- Make sure your workplace has a sufficient number of stools and step ladders to help your employees safely secure supplies in hard-to-reach places. Falls commonly occur when reaching for materials stored out of easy reach.
- Ensure all high foot traffic areas are properly lit and that the floor remains in dry and in good condition. Dimly lit areas make it harder to see spills or wet spots and increase the risk of slips and falls. Wet floor markers and other signage are an easy way to prevent this.
- Lastly, make sure your used cooking oil is responsibly transferred from fryer to tank. A hot oil spill in your kitchen can be dangerous and induce a slip. Consider implementing a fully automated system or a grease-caddy transfer when it comes to discarding your fryer oil.
3. Burns and scalds
Burns and scalds account for 12 percent of all workers compensation claims and can lead to serious injury. You should ensure you’re taking every measure to minimize the risk. Here are a few tips to help.
- Keep all flammable materials away from your stoves, ovens and fryers. A small spill near an open flame could lead to a large problem.
- Make it a habit to keep all fryers, ovens and other cooking equipment off when not in use.
- Unplug and turn off all kitchen appliances before cleaning them or the areas around them. An appliance in operation encountering chemicals in certain cleaning supplies could make for a dangerous situation.
- Once again, ensure safe and responsible transfer and disposal of your used cooking oil. An employee lugging a pot of scalding cooking oil across your kitchen and to the outside bin not only leaves you vulnerable to spills and slips, but also burns and scalds. Make certain your oil is handled in a way that keeps your employees safe. Even better, wait until the oil has simmered to a safe temperature before transferring it from fryer to tank. Typically, used cooking oil takes between 90 minutes to two hours to cool to a safe handling temperature.
A study by the American Society of Interior Designers showed that employees who like their work environments were 31% more likely to be satisfied in their jobs, meaning safety is more paramount now than ever. Implementing these simple tips will make your employees happier, more comfortable and likelier to stick around, all while make your kitchen a safer place to work.
DAR PRO Solutions’ used cooking oil recycling service helps your kitchen avoid workplace injuries. From our industry-leading selection of equipment to our innovative technology and team of trained professionals, we ensure your grease is recycled safely and responsibly. Our service seamlessly handles your waste while ensuring your employees are safe. Reach out to a DAR PRO representative today and find out how your business can benefit from our partnership. Call us 24/7/365 at 855-DAR-PRO1 (833-567-0592).
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3/22/2021