When Accidents Happen: How to Respond the Right Way
You’ve trained your team. You’ve spotted hazards. You’ve done everything in your power to prevent an accident… and then it happens anyway.
It’s every restaurant owner’s worst nightmare—a team member or customer gets injured. The first moments after an accident are critical, not just for the injured person, but for your business and your reputation.
And while prevention will always be our first priority, knowing exactly how to respond when something goes wrong can make all the difference.
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
Before anything else, stop the activity that caused the injury and make the area safe. If it’s a spill, clean it up. If it’s a sharp object, remove it from reach. This prevents further harm to the injured person and others nearby.
Step 2: Provide First Aid Quickly
If you’ve taken REST training, your team already knows the basics. Whether it’s applying pressure to a cut, flushing out a burn, or immobilizing an injured limb, act fast and act calmly.
Step 3: Call for Professional Help if Needed
If the injury is serious, don’t hesitate—call 911 or your local emergency number. Always err on the side of caution.
Step 4: Document Everything
Take notes on what happened, who was involved, and any witnesses. Include photos if appropriate. This protects you legally and helps you prevent a repeat incident.
Step 5: Report It Promptly
Depending on the severity, you may need to inform your insurance provider or OSHA. Following proper reporting procedures keeps your business compliant.
Step 6: Follow Up with Care
Check on the injured person’s recovery. Show genuine concern—not just for legal reasons, but because it’s the right thing to do.
This Thanksgiving, while you’re giving thanks for your team, your customers, and your success, take a moment to be thankful for preparation. Because when you have a plan for “what if,” you can respond with confidence instead of panic.
And if you’ve made it this far in the year without an accident? That’s worth celebrating—just don’t let it make you complacent. Accidents can happen anytime, and readiness is the best way to protect your crew and your business.
With REST — Restaurant Employee Safety Training, your team won’t just learn how to prevent injuries; they’ll know exactly what to do if the worst happens. That’s peace of mind you can truly be thankful for.
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