Article courtesy of Iron Mountain Refrigeration
Running a restaurant comes with daily challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a safe environment for employees and customers. The fast-paced environment, combined with high heat, sharp tools and heavy equipment, adds up to a lot of cuts, burns and slips and falls in the kitchen1.
By focusing on restaurant safety, you not only protect your team and patrons but also safeguard your business’s reputation and minimize liability risks. Here are seven essential tips to keep your restaurant operating safely.
Table of Contents
1. Prioritize Comprehensive Staff Training
Investing in thorough staff training is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injuries and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Employees should be well-versed in food safety procedures, proper food handling, fire safety and first aid.
Equip your team with the knowledge they need to operate kitchen tools like knives, slicers and mixers safely. Providing a detailed restaurant safety checklist can further reinforce these practices and keep safety top of mind.
2. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene
Maintaining a clean and hygienic restaurant is crucial for preventing illnesses and staying compliant with health codes. Regularly clean and sanitize all areas of your restaurant, from kitchen surfaces and equipment to dining areas and restrooms.
Enforce strict hygiene standards among your staff, including regular handwashing, tying back long hair and wearing gloves when handling food directly. Cleanliness is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about providing a safe dining experience for your customers.
3. Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are the leading causes of workplace injuries in restaurants. It can help to require employees to wear slip-resistant shoes and be vigilant about grease buildup and water accumulation, particularly near cooking stations and dishwashing areas.
Promptly clean up spills and use anti-skid mats in high-risk areas like sinks, coolers and refrigerators. Always display wet floor signs after cleaning to alert staff and customers of potential hazards.
4. Safeguard Against Cuts, Lacerations and Burns
The use of sharp tools and exposure to hot surfaces are inherent risks in any kitchen. Be sure that only trained staff handle kitchen equipment and keep a well-stocked first aid kit readily available in case of accidents.
Should an injury occur, follow your restaurant’s safety protocols, document the incident and take appropriate action to stay compliant and reduce liability.
5. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Equipment
Routine maintenance and inspection of kitchen equipment are essential to prevent malfunctions and keep things safe. Keep appliances like ovens and stovetops clean and in good working order to reduce fire risks.
Regularly service refrigerators and freezers to maintain optimal temperatures and prevent food spoilage. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding equipment-related accidents and maintaining a safe working environment.
6. Practice Safe Food Handling
Adhering to proper food safety guidelines is vital for preventing foodborne illnesses. Train your kitchen staff on safe food handling practices, including managing food allergies.
Store raw and cooked foods separately, maintain correct refrigeration temperatures and properly label, date and dispose of food items to guarantee freshness and safety.
7. Implement Robust Fire Safety Measures
Fire safety is important in every restaurant. Equip your establishment with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and clearly marked emergency exits.
Train your staff on how to use fire extinguishers and conduct regular fire drills to make sure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency. Keep all fire exits clear of obstructions to allow for a quick and safe evacuation.
By prioritizing these safety measures, you can create a secure and healthy environment for your employees and customers.
About the Author: Trevor Crivello is the founder and president of Iron Mountain Refrigeration and has a decade of experience in commercial refrigeration. Iron Mountain Refrigeration supplies commercial refrigeration equipment to fast-casual restaurants ranging from small operations to large national chains.
Trevor leads Iron Mountain Refrigeration with a passion for quality and a devotion to providing the highest level of customer service.
[1] https://www.rti-inc.com/KitchenSafety101_Whitepaper
