Certain jobs come with certain risks, even ones that may not seem especially dangerous. Working in a restaurant may seem relatively low risk, but it may surprise you to learn that there are actually quite a few hazards that can leave these employees with painful injuries. If you work in the food service industry, you should be aware of these risks so you can keep yourself as safe as reasonably possible.
In a restaurant, one of the most dangerous places to work is in the kitchen. Restaurants typically have high staff turnover, which means there could be relatively new and untrained workers in and out of the kitchen at any given time. This may lead to an increased chance of an accident, as can a number of other hazards. If you suffered injuries while you were at work, you could have grounds to pursue benefits through a workers’ compensation claim.
At risk at work
Restaurants are fast-paced work environments, yet employers bear the responsibility of making sure they follow safety standards and ensure all employees are as safe as reasonably possible while working their shifts. Every food service place is different, but the following are the most common safety concerns for restaurant workers:
- Hazardous equipment – Some kitchens have heavy equipment used for certain tasks, but they can be dangerous when improperly used or if they fall. Training can prevent machinery-related accidents.
- Heavy lifting – Restaurant workers sometimes have to lift heavy pallets of ingredients, equipment, tables and more. It is important to lift with the legs to avoid strain injuries in the back.
- Burns, cuts and chemical hazards – Restaurant workers sometimes suffer painful injuries from burns or cuts that happen while preparing or cooking food. It is also possible they could come into contact with a hazardous chemical.
These are only a few of the risks restaurant employees face at work. If you work in a job that comes with certain hazards, you need to know how to protect yourself and what to do in the event of an accident.
Your workers’ comp claim
If you suffered injuries at your workplace, you could have grounds to pursue benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. This option allows you to recoup some of your losses and pay for the medical care you need. Because the claims process can be complex and frustrating, you may find it beneficial to work with an experienced New York attorney from the initial stages of your claim.