Being aware of potential occupational dangers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. Reducing accidents can help keep insurance costs more manageable, as well as promoting a safe environment for staff.
Restaurants and other food service facilities can be particularly prone to accidents, given the nature of the business. In fact, WorkSafeBC has found that three of the top seven dangers facing young workers in BC occur most frequently in food service settings.
The top seven dangers are:
- Lifting objects as retail clerks, shipper-receivers, labourers, material handlers
- Working on ladders, stairs, scaffolding and other raised areas
- Using knives in food service, retail sales and supermarkets
- Working with hot substances or equipment in restaurants
- Driving or riding in vehicles and operating or working near mobile equipment
- Operating food slicers in restaurants and supermarkets
- Working near running equipment or machinery in a variety of jobs
