The restaurant environment is a risky one. In nearly every situation there are times when a worker suffers an injury, even if you are very careful to avoid it. Workers’ compensation insurance helps to minimize these financial risks. It helps provide coverage for work-related injuries in restaurants. Still, to keep your costs low, it can be beneficial to invest in a bit of safety. Here are some tips to help you.
Common Injuries and Prevention Tips
There is no way to guard against all types of injury risks in the restaurant. Yet, there are some ways to reduce the frequency of them . In turn, you can keep your workers’ compensation costs in line with your goals.
Burns
Burns are common in the kitchen area. They occur for many reasons, but poor procedures are a common cause. When any worker is cooking or dealing with hot equipment, ensure they take steps to cut risks. This includes using protective equipment, gloves, and shields. Place warning signs about hot equipment in areas where workers may not expect it, such as in hallways or storage areas.
Slips and Falls
Wet floors are a common cause of accidents in the workplace. Slippery floors from grease are a key cause. To minimize these risks, teach workers to clean as they go. This means keeping floors free of debris at all times. If a spill occurs, ensure workers clean it up right away and limit the amount of fluid present. This speeds up the drying process. Use the proper chemicals as well.
Back Injuries
One of the most preventable types of injuries in the workplace is the back injury. The most common cause is picking up items such as boxes that are too heavy. Doing so at a fast pace, such as when there is a rush need for a product, increases the risks.
To avoid these, teach employees to lift with their legs. Instead of bending over to pick something up, encourage them to squat to do so. When items are heavy, ensure two people do the lifting.
You can work with your business insurance agent to talk about the risks present in your location. Then, tailor training programs to help minimize these risks. Workers’ compensation insurance is there to help with medical bills and time off. Yet, a safe workplace is an important way to keep your insurance costs in line with your goals.
Also Read: Why Small Business Owners Benefit from Workers Compensation Insurance