Intro to PPE: Protecting Restaurant Employees from Workplace Injuries
Restaurants are among the top industries for workplace accidents, right alongside construction. In fact, nearly 25% of all occupational injuries are reported from restaurant settings.
Most of these accidents can be prevented. While many injuries are minor, serious accidents can and do happen—including burns, contusions, lacerations, sprains, fractures, concussions, electric shock, and even amputations.
How PPE Prevents Injuries
- Slip-resistant shoes: Without them, employees may slip, fall into hot grills, grab hot pans, or cause chain-reaction accidents with coworkers.
- Cut-resistant gloves: Not wearing safety gloves when using slicers or machinery can result in severe cuts to hands and arms.
- Heat-resistant gloves: Forgetting them when handling hot dishes can cause burns, broken dishes, and secondary accidents like slips on broken glass.
The bottom line: PPE can only help if you use it.
⚠️ Quick Fact
The majority of restaurant injuries occur in the back of house, especially during peak service times when employees rush and skip PPE.
đź’ˇ Safety Tip
Make PPE a habit. Put on slip-resistant shoes and gloves before starting your shift—not just when you think you’ll “need them.”
Watch the video above to learn how PPE can keep you safe in restaurants.
Then take the next step:
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