What Every Restaurant Owner or Manager Needs to Know About Accident Prevention Programs
When a restaurant employee slips, trips, or gets burned, the first concern is always their well-being—but the second is often the cost.
And while most restaurant owners and managers genuinely care about safety, many still haven’t implemented a formal Accident Prevention Program (APP).
That’s a big problem—because without one, you're not only increasing risk, you’re also out of compliance in many states.
So what exactly is an Accident Prevention Program?
An APP is a written workplace safety plan that outlines:
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The specific hazards present in your restaurant
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The safety policies and practices you expect employees to follow
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Procedures for reporting and investigating accidents
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A plan for ongoing safety training
In short, it’s your restaurant’s roadmap for working safer—and showing OSHA (and your insurance company) that you take safety seriously.
Why It’s Required in More Places Than You Think
Several states require employers to have a written Accident Prevention Program, including Washington, California, and Oregon. But even where it’s not mandated, having one can significantly reduce injuries and insurance costs.
Without it? You’re more likely to see:
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Repeat accidents
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Confusion about safety expectations
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Higher claim payouts
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Increased scrutiny during inspections
Free APP Training for Restaurant Managers
To help restaurant leaders put a smart, OSHA-aligned APP in place, we created a free module just for you:
"Accident Prevention Programs: What Restaurant Managers Need to Know."
This short training shows you:
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What goes into a proper APP
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Why it matters for restaurants
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How to start one that actually works
The module includes:
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A quick, clear video
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A short quiz (optional)
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A printable certificate to document your training
It’s completely free—and gives you a strong foundation to build a safer workplace.
Protect Your Team. Strengthen Your Operation.
If you’re a restaurant owner or manager, an APP isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind.
Start here with our free, restaurant-specific training:
 Train Your Team Members for Less Than the Cost of Coffee.
You don’t need a subscription to protect your people.
Get $260 worth of restaurant safety training — all 13 short OSHA-aligned modules, with quizzes, certificates, and lifetime access — for just $5 per employee.
Have Questions About REST? Let’s Talk Safety.
Whether you’re training 5 employees or 500, we’re here to help you protect your team, document compliance, and save on long-term costs. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch ASAP.
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