A foodservice establishment is very fast paced.  Without taking precautions, accidents are bound to happen.  Here is a list of some of the most common foodservice accidents (both injury and food) to become more aware of and avoid.

Broken Dishes

To avoid breaking dishes, don’t over fill dish racks or put glasses on a non-glass rack. Also, do not store bar glasses above ice bins, etc.  In case of emergencies, keep a broken glass bucket readily available because broken glass should not be put into the trash.

Burns

Especially common when using fryers and oil filtering.

Cuts

Knives should be kept sharpened as dull knives cut more people.  Also, don’t grab falling knives.  Looking to another aspect, some cooking equipment requires guards or locks.  Make sure that machinery has the proper safety equipment and is used.

Food Contamination

Employees should wear gloves, practice proper hand washing techniques, use colored coded boards and have a separate area for raw meat prep.  And on another note, employees should understand the importance of heating/cooling food properly.

Improper lifting techniques

Especially common with garbage cans, dollies, lifting in the dish area, etc.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Employees should always wear proper non-slip footwear.  Also, employees should not mop floors without drying afterward.

Slicer Equipment Injuries

If you have a meat slicer on the premise, do not allow employees to use it until they have been directly trained to use, breakdown, clean, sanitize and reassemble it safely and completely

Products to Enhance Safety

• Burn Kits
• Cleaning systems
• Cleaning supplies
• Colored cutting boards
• Cut resistant gloves
• Dishwashing aprons and gloves
• Emergency exit lights and signs
• First Aid Kits
• Floor mats
• Floor scrubbers and squeegees
• Food rotation labels
• Foodservice gloves
• Hot pads
• Knife covers
• Oven mitts/gloves and protective arm sleeves
• Safety posters
• Safety treads
• Sink sanitizing
• Symbol signage
• Shelving
• Thermometers
• Wet floor signage

Safety Resources

• Food Safety
• OSHA Compliance for Restaurants
• QSR’s Top Four Restaurant Injuries
• Work Safe: Smart, Accident-Free Environments 
• Work Safe BC: Health and Safety for Hospitality Small Business

Thanks to Central Product Consultant Michael Williams for contributing to this blog.  Williams submitted additional information for each accident topic.