Young Worker Safety in Restaurants
Strains and Sprains Warmer - Kitchen Equipment
Dough Roller - Machine Guarding
Mixer - Machine Guarding
Steamer - Kitchen Equipment
Floor Mat - Slips/Trips/Falls
Knives and Cuts
Slicer - Machine Guarding Floor Mat - Slips/Trips/Falls
Knives and Cuts
Knives and Cuts
Food Preparation

The Food Preparation area of a restaurant offers young workers an opportunity for developing skills in culinary art, sanitation principles, and in the use of kitchen equipment. Young workers in this area may also be exposed to the following hazards:
 
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Safety Poster

Slips/Trips/Falls
Potential Hazard

Employee exposure to slips/trips/falls from slipping on foods or liquids that have fallen to the floor in the food preparation area. Tripping or falling into physical hazards such as drain covers that have come off may also be a problem.
Drain Grate Trip Hazard Uncovered drain
Possible Solutions

Young Worker Solutions
Employers have the primary responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their workers. Employees are responsible for following the safe work practices of their employers. These may include:
  • Promptly clean up food spills and use cones to identify wet areas.

  • Wear appropriate waterproof non-slip footwear.

Employer Solutions
Employers have the primary responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their workers. Employees are responsible for following the safe work practices of their employers.

Follow OSHA standards, including:
  • Keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition [1910.22(a)(1)].

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

  • Provide warning signs for wet floor areas [1910.145(c)(2)].
Replace drain covers and keep drains clear of debris
Replace drain covers and keep
drains clear of debris

Consider implementing recommended safe work practices, including:

  • Identify and correct possible slip hazards.

  • Use non-slip mats for surfaces in slippery areas.

  • Provide adequate drainage for wet areas.

  • Repair any uneven floor surfaces.

  • Replace any drain covers that have come loose.

  • Keep grates/drains free from debris and blockage.

Book For more information, see General Hazards - Slips/Trips/Falls


Go on to Delivery - Strains and Sprains
Go on to Delivery - Strains and Sprains

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