Young Worker Safety in Restaurants
Electrical Hazards Slips/Trips/Falls General Hazards

This section may be of interest to the young worker but is provided mainly for the employer. Other sections of this eTool reference this area for additional information. The following topics are covered:
 
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Safety Poster
Fire Hazards New Workers

Slips/Trips/Falls
Potential Hazard
Employee exposure to wet floors or spills and clutter that can lead to slips/trips/falls and other possible injuries. 


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Possible Solutions
 
Employer Solutions
Employers have the primary responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their workers. Young workers are responsible for following the safe work practices of their employers.
Follow OSHA Standards including:
Provide warning signs
Provide warning signs
  • Keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition. Walking/Working Surfaces Standard [1910.22(a)(1)].  

  • Keep floors clean and dry. In addition to being a slip hazard, continually wet surfaces promote the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria that can cause infections [1910.22(a)(2)].  

  • Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. For example, provide floor plugs for equipment, so power cords need not run across pathways [1910.22(b)(1)].  

  • Provide warning signs for wet floor areas. Accident Prevention Signs and Tags Standard [1910.145(c)(2)].

  • Keep exits free from obstruction. Access to exits must remain clear of obstructions at all times Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans.

Consider implementing recommended safe work practices, including:
Non-slip mat and shoes
Non-slip mat and shoes
  • Do provide adequate lighting.

  • Do repair any uneven floor surfaces. Relay or stretch carpets that bulge or have become bunched to prevent tripping hazards.

  • Do use no-skid waxes and surfaces coated with grit to create non-slip surfaces in slippery areas or use non-slip mats.

  • Do promote a shoe policy program that provides for appropriate work shoes for employees. Shoe policy programs require workers or employers to purchase non-slip footwear for work use.

  • Do make aisles and passageways sufficiently wide for easy movement and keep clear at all times.


Additional Information:

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