When foodservice operators clock into work, safety may not be the first thing on their minds, but the back of the house can be filled with dangerous hazards that can shut down businesses if not prioritized.
Hazards exist in every area of a kitchen, leading to major injuries, including burns, lacerations, and falls. Without safety measures in place, foodservice operations and employees can suffer greatly. This is where CrewSafe’s innovative safety solutions save the day.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five hazards found in foodservice and how our products mitigate them, creating a safer work environment for staff.
- Food contamination and cross-contamination: The last thing any foodservice operator wants is a customer getting sick on their watch. More than 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses are reported each year. Cross-contamination can cause harmful bacteria to be transferred from one food item to the next, jeopardizing a customer’s well-being and your operation’s reputation.
- Slips, trips, and falls: We’ve all spotted that dreaded puddle of water in the middle of the floor. Now, imagine a busy employee trying to complete a task, slipping on the puddle and spraining an ankle. That’s bad news for the business and the employee. Greasy and wet floors are hazards that can lead to sprains, fractures, and head trauma.
- Heat and burn injuries: With ovens, burners, fryers, and other hot surfaces found in most kitchens, burn injuries can be common in foodservice operations, especially on arms and hands. Most burns are caused by deep fryers, hot water, and steam, but hot pans can also be to blame for heat-related injuries.
- Puncture resistant
- Cut resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Laceration injuries: It’s no surprise that foodservice employees work with sharp tools, including knives, but improper use or accidents such as rushing can lead to deep cuts, hand injuries, and infections.
- General workplace hazards: In addition to more specific injuries, foodservice operators are constantly exposed to general hazards, including chemical exposure and electrical hazards. Having effective communication practices in place can help raise awareness and help employees identify hazards.
CrewSafe solution: The Viper® PRO Multi-Purpose Safety Cutter is a hygienic cutting solution that prevents cross-contamination. When cutting open bags of food, bacteria can transfer on the blade, causing cross-contamination. The patented Viper safety cutter contains a recessed blade that lowers the risk of cross-contamination between bagged products. This multi-purpose cutter also prevents deep cuts, minimizing laceration injuries.
CrewSafe solution: The SafetyCling® Wet Floor Sign offers bright signage presenting high visibility to customers and employees. The patented adhesive system allows foodservice operators to effectively place warning signs on almost any surface, providing the necessary defense against slips, trips, and falls.
CrewSafe solution: Our Red Hot® Heat Resistant Gloves deliver promising heat protection while providing staff with the flexibility to safely handle hot items without compromising effectiveness. While reducing heat-related injuries, these gloves are also:
CrewSafe solution: The CrewSafe® Safety Utility Knife features an automatic retractable blade, locking after each cut, and an ergonomic design to minimize injuries. The trigger-activated knife provides a safer solution than traditional utility knives by eliminating the need for users to manually manage exposed blades, reducing the risk of accidents and product damage.
CrewSafe solution: The Safety Poster Program is a creative way to provide clear, visual reminders about essential safety practices. These unique, eye-catching illustrations engage employees, keeping safety at the top of mind compared to text-heavy posters.
Safety should never be taken lightly in the foodservice industry. Putting safety on the back burner can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss, a tarnished reputation, and employee injuries.
Each hazard within foodservice operations can and should be addressed to protect businesses, customers, and employees. With CrewSafe’s wide range of safety solutions, you can create a workplace environment where employees can work confidently and efficiently. If you’re ready to prioritize safety, message us at info@crewsafe.com.