As a server working in a restaurant or other food service establishment, you may encounter various risks and challenges while performing your duties. It’s up to the employer to ensure you have a safe place to work. You can enhance this by taking proper precautions.
Understanding the risks may help you to take proactive steps. Employers may benefit from knowing these points so they can also address them before they become serious hazards. These include:
1. Physical injuries
One of the primary concerns for servers is the potential for physical injuries. You might slip and fall on wet or greasy floors, trip over objects or even suffer burns from hot plates or kitchen appliances. It is important to wear appropriate shoes with slip-resistant soles and be aware of your surroundings to minimize these risks.
2. Risk of contagion
In addition to physical injuries, you could face health risks from being in close contact with the public, including exposure to various illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, or even contagious. Following proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask when necessary, can help protect you and your customers from the spread of infections.
3. Mental health dangers
Servers are also at risk of experiencing stress and mental health challenges due to the fast-paced nature of the job, dealing with difficult customers and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. It is crucial to develop effective coping strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, taking short breaks when possible and sharing your experiences with supportive colleagues.
Ultimately, servers face numerous risks while working in the food service industry. If you suffer an injury while you’re working, workers’ compensation can help to defray the costs of medical care and provide other benefits based on the circumstances.
