Plenty of talented culinary workers throughout New Jersey have chosen the restaurant trade as either a primary or side occupation. Yet, their profession brings some unique risks. In fact, sources suggest that individuals who are employed in the restaurant industry may be 60 percent more likely to get hurt than people in other fields.
Of course, no one who loves working in and around commercial kitchens needs to give up a profitable livelihood. Every restaurant kitchen employee should practice several measures to remain as safe as possible. Additionally, eatery owners and managers need to emphasize these safe working strategies to minimize injuries, lost time, and rising workers’ compensation rates.
Handle Sharp Cutlery and Machinery with Care
Taking a trip into any commercial kitchen means seeing plenty of knives and sharp equipment. Workers routinely encounter lots of blades, broken or jagged surfaces, and honed edges. For this reason, employees should exercise extreme precaution when picking up sharp objects or even plunging their hands into soapy dishwater that could contain cutlery or broken glass. Plus, workers with greasy hands should be cautious not to pick up sharp utensils and tools.
Wear Oven Mitts and Gloves Around Hot Items
Restaurant employees regularly report burn injuries to no one’s surprise. Burns can occur from a wide range of actions, such as removing hot dishes from an oven or carrying hot plates from the kitchen to patrons. Again, wearing oven mitts and related equipment presents the most reliable way to reduce the chance of burns. Even slight burns can become infected and lead to more serious wounds, so every burn needs to be avoided, if possible.
Carry Heavy Items the Right Way
People who work in commercial kitchens may have to lift boxes and ingredients on a routine basis. Similarly, servers and bussers typically carry trays loaded with plates, utensils, glassware, and more. Over time, the burden of constantly toting items from one location to another can lead to repetitive stress injuries. Learning how to properly lift and carry objects can mean the difference between having to apply for workers’ compensation or being able to continue the job without nagging pain or long-term debilitation.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Help Restaurant Employees Injured on the Job
Have you been injured working in a commercial restaurant in New Jersey? Whether you experienced a serious burn or have been diagnosed with nerve damage due to excessive lifting, contact the Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP to talk about your situation. Call us at 856-761-3773 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Camden, Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade, and Pennsauken.
