Workplace injuries can occur in practically any work environment, and restaurants are no exception. Server injuries tend to happen in many different ways, and can cause permanent issues if not taken care of. Therefore, it’s important to know what to watch for when working in these environments…
Server Injuries: Most Frequent Kinds
Cuts
Cuts are some of the most common server injuries. Servers will have to constantly handle sharp utensils like forks and knives all throughout their shifts. Plus, glassware and plates tend to break pretty often. All of this makes it easy to get cut, ranging from small surface level ones to deep gashes.
Most cuts can be avoided with good utensil management and careful glassware and plate handling. For instance, if carrying a tray with utensils, then it helps to place them close to the center. One should also be careful when moving with glasses or plates. It’s always good to get someone to help rather than trying to carry an unbalanced load.
Burns
Burns tend to be another of the more-frequent server injuries. The main task for servers is to move usually hot food and drinks around the restaurant. It’s possible that a stumble or fall could cause all that hot food to fall onto them, burning them in the process. Even just moving hot food to a table could burn a server’s fingers and hands.
That’s why it’s important that servers don’t try and rush when carrying hot items. At the same time, it’s also key that floors and walkways remain clear, and other servers keep out of their way. When dropping off food at a table, using something like a mitt or cloth napkin can help prevent hand and finger burns.
Muscle pains
Working in a restaurant can be a very physically demanding task. Servers will constantly have to stand and move around, carrying heavy trays and performing other physical duties. As a result, it’s not surprising that muscle pains and aches are very common server injuries.
The best thing for servers to do is take time to rest when they feel pain coming on. It’s also good to practice proper lifting techniques, in order to minimize the stress placed on the body. Using things like sole inserts or muscle braces can also help reduce pain.