Potential Hazards in Restaurants and the PPE That Prevents Them
You may not realize the potential hazards, but in a restaurant setting, there are many situations where personal protective equipment (PPE) can make the difference between a safe shift and a serious accident.
Industry reports have given safety professionals the data needed to assess risks and develop training programs for employees. But at the end of the day, it’s the employee’s responsibility to actually use the PPE provided.
Common Restaurant Hazards and PPE Solutions
- Hair covering: Prevents long hair from being caught in slicers, mixers, or other machinery.
- Safety goggles: Protect your eyes from splashes of hot oil.
- Ear plugs: Reduce damage from high-pitched or loud machinery.
- Gloves (rubber, latex, or non-latex): Protect against chemical burns and skin irritation from bleach, fryer cleaner, or floor chemicals.
- Heat-resistant gloves: Prevent burns when removing dishes or pans from ovens.
- Cold-resistant gloves: Protect hands from freezer burns when working in cold storage.
- Cut-resistant gloves: Prevent lacerations and punctures when working with slicers and grinders.
⚠️ Quick Fact
Burns, cuts, and chemical exposure are among the top 3 most common restaurant injuries—all of which can be reduced with the right PPE.
💡 Safety Tip
Always inspect your PPE before use. A small tear in a glove or a loose-fitting hair net can make your protection useless.
Watch the video above to see how PPE prevents common restaurant injuries.
Then take the next step:
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