The restaurant industry is one of the largest types of business operations in the United States. There are nearly 15 million Americans that are employed in the industry. Companies that operate in this sector generate more than $1 trillion in annual revenue. Although the restaurant industry is lucrative, it’s a dangerous line of work for individuals to be employed in.
Daily reports of injuries are quite common in this industry. Some of the more common ones that are reported include muscle pulls, strains and sprains, slip and falls, leg and back fatigue, cuts, scrapes, bruises and burns. Slips and falls are the most common type of restaurant injury. They can often be blamed on floors being poorly mopped and slippery.
While many of these injuries are relatively minor, some are serious enough that they result in a worker having to be seen by a doctor. There are those rare injuries in which a restaurant employee becomes so severely injured that it leaves them unable to perform certain tasks or unable to remain gainfully employed.
Employees must take preventive measures to protect themselves from injury on the job. They can do so by wearing slip-resistant shoes. If they cover their arms and always wear oven mitts on their hands when handling hot pots and pans, then they can minimize their risk of getting burned. Employers should take time to train their employees as to how to properly handle and store a knife. Workers should be given cut-resistant gloves to use when handling any sharp objects.
There’s only one right way to lift heavy objects. Lifting with your legs instead of your back will lessen the possibility of muscle pulls in your shoulders, back and legs. High traffic areas shouldn’t be obstructed by boxes, trash cans, cords or tray stands. It can cause a worker to trip and fall if they’re in the way.
If you’ve been injured while working at a restaurant here in Toms River, then you may be entitled to worker’s compensation relief. How much you may be eligible to receive depends on the severity of your injuries and how long you may have to be out of work. An attorney will want to know more about the onset of your injuries before letting you know what benefits you may be entitled to under New Jersey law.
