Workers who cook in restaurants are exposed to strains and sprains from prolonged standing and repetitive or prolonged reaching while cooking and turning food on a hot grill or stove surface.

• Static postures may occur as cooks continuously stand in one position while cooking or preparing food, causing pooling of blood in the lower extremities, muscle fatigue, and pain.
   
• Prolonged standing on hard work surfaces such as concrete can create contact trauma and pain in the feet.
   
• Awkward neck postures can lead to neck strains and muscle stiffness if a cook constantly tilts the head downward or upward to cook food.
   
• Repeatedly lifting the arms or over-reaching can irritate the tendons or bursa of the shoulder, possibly leading to arm and shoulder strain.

• Avoid static postures by continually changing your position. Use a foot rest bar or a low stool to help alter your posture by raising one foot and then the other.
  
  

• Use anti-fatigue mats, if available, on hard work surfaces. Anti-fatigue mats help contract and expand the muscles of the person standing on them increasing blood-flow and reducing fatigue.
  
  
• Wear shoes with well-cushioned insteps and soles.
  
  
• Use height-adjustable work surfaces, if available.

• Minimize reaching by organizing your work environment so that most cooking processes can be completed within easy reach and while keeping your elbows in close to your body.