Restaurant workers face a wide range of potential risks that can lead to common injuries, resulting in lost work time and costly workers’ compensation (WC) claims for employers. With the industry’s fast-paced environment and the frequent use of sharp objects, hot surfaces, and heavy machinery, injuries are a significant concern.
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Cuts, Punctures, and Scrapes: A Persistent Risk
Over the past year, cuts, punctures, and scrapes remain some of the most commonly reported injuries in the restaurant industry, comprising about one-third of all WC claims. With the increasing use of advanced kitchen tools and automated food preparation equipment, the potential for injury persists despite improved safety measures. Ensuring that employees are adequately trained in the use of new technologies and that safety protocols are rigorously followed is crucial in minimizing these types of injuries.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: The Costliest Injuries
While cuts and similar injuries are frequent, a recent industry study in 2024 highlighted that slips, trips, and falls (STFs) continue to be the most costly and time-consuming injuries.
STFs account for approximately 4.7 times more in paid losses compared to other common injuries and require over twice as many days for employees to return to work. This significant impact is largely due to the severity of these injuries, which can include fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
The increased focus on ergonomics and the adoption of slip-resistant flooring materials have helped reduce the incidence of STFs, but the risk remains substantial. As the restaurant industry evolves, with more open kitchen designs and the integration of automated service technologies, maintaining rigorous safety standards is essential to prevent these costly accidents.
Financial Impact on Restaurateurs
For restaurateurs with high-deductible insurance programs, the direct costs associated with workplace injuries are immediately felt when they pay for the loss. In 2024, the financial burden of workers’ compensation claims has increased, partly due to inflation and the rising costs of medical care. As a result, it is more important than ever for restaurant owners to invest in preventive measures and employee training programs to mitigate these risks.
Preventive Measures and Best Practices
To address these challenges, many restaurants in 2024 are adopting comprehensive safety programs that include regular training sessions, routine safety audits, and the implementation of advanced technologies designed to reduce injury risks. Wearable devices that monitor employee posture and movement are becoming more common, helping to identify and correct behaviors that could lead to STFs or other injuries.
Additionally, the integration of AI and machine learning in safety management systems allows for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, enabling restaurant managers to identify potential hazards before they result in injuries.
The Impact of Poor Loss History and Liability Risks in 2025
In 2024, a poor loss history continues to have significant financial repercussions for restaurant owners. Insurance premiums can increase substantially when a business has a history of frequent or severe claims, and the risk of being dropped by the insurance carrier is higher than ever. With the ongoing economic pressures and rising costs of claims, maintaining a good loss history is crucial for keeping insurance coverage affordable and available.
Liability Beyond Workers’ Compensation Claims
In addition to workers’ compensation (WC) claims, restaurant owners are also responsible for accidents involving patrons that occur anywhere within their establishment, including parking lots and other exterior areas under their control. For example, failure to properly address hazards such as uneven pavement or poor lighting can lead to slip and fall accidents, placing liability on the restaurant for not taking appropriate preventive measures. The legal environment in 2024 has seen an increase in personal injury lawsuits, particularly in cases where negligence in maintaining safe premises is evident.
Proactive Risk Management: A Necessity
To mitigate risks effectively, restaurant owners and managers must proactively assess potential hazards and work with employees to educate them on safe practices. Ingraining safety best practices into the workplace culture is key to preventing costly WC claims and achieving long-term cost savings. While slips, trips, and falls may be inevitable in a public setting like a restaurant, these risks can be managed through a consistent program designed to monitor and control the most common sources of accidents.
Maintaining Your Physical Worksite and Common Areas
Maintaining a clean, orderly, and well-monitored physical worksite is essential. Preventive maintenance of flooring materials is crucial, as hazards such as bunched or worn mats and carpeting should be routinely checked and replaced. In 2024, many establishments are investing in advanced flooring materials that offer enhanced slip resistance, as well as using IoT devices that monitor environmental conditions like moisture levels to alert staff before hazards develop.
Tile floors and non-carpeted stairs are particularly dangerous when wet. Slip-resistant surfaces, along with proper lighting and door designs that allow visibility to the other side, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Regular inspections and the use of hazard signage are proactive steps that go a long way in minimizing accidents.
Exterior Locations: A Focus on Safety
Exterior safety remains a top concern in 2025, especially as restaurants see heavy foot traffic throughout the day. A cracked sidewalk or curb, though seemingly minor, can pose a significant trip hazard, particularly for distracted customers. Outdoor ramps, necessary for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), must be moderately angled and carefully maintained, especially during periods of rain, snow, or ice.
Proper lighting around exterior doors and the use of slip-resistant mats both inside and outside the entrance are critical. These mats should be regularly replaced to maintain their effectiveness against slick floors.
Establishing a Footwear Program for Staff
Designating safety footwear for your waitstaff and other employees is another effective measure. In 2024, many restaurants have implemented formal footwear programs where employers either share the cost or fully purchase slip-resistant shoes for their employees. This ensures compliance and helps prevent workplace injuries.
Return to Work Programs: Reducing Downtime and Costs
On average, an injured employee requires about 33 days to return to work from a slip or fall incident in 2024. This is consistent with previous years, although the impact of lost time has become more significant due to rising labor costs and the challenges of finding temporary replacements. Employees who injure multiple body parts or suffer from wrist or hand strains are likely to miss the most work time. For instance, coffee shops still report the highest lost time, with wrist injuries posing a significant risk due to the nature of the work.
The soft costs associated with training and compensating new or temporary employees can be double or triple the cost of the original workers’ compensation claim. As such, companies that are serious about controlling WC costs must implement a formal return-to-work (RTW) program tailored to their specific business culture and risks.
Developing a Comprehensive Risk Management Program
A well-designed RTW program in 2025 starts with designating a responsible employee, such as an HR professional, to champion claims management. This individual will oversee the program, which should include the following elements:
- A company mission statement focusing on safety and well-being.
- A clear flow of action from injury to return to work.
- An emergency response plan.
- A communication strategy to keep all stakeholders informed.
- A transitional employment plan to accommodate injured employees returning to work.
Implementing these established practices not only builds a stronger culture of safety within your restaurant but also reduces your total cost of risk through fewer injuries and lower insurance rates. By working with an experienced insurance broker, restaurant owners can develop and implement a comprehensive risk management program that addresses the specific needs and risks of their business in 2024.
Work with an experienced insurance broker to help you develop and implement a comprehensive risk management program for your restaurant.
