The main injuries in this sub-sector continue to be musculoskeletal injuries, falls, burns, and lacerations. Heat stroke also continues to be a health risk for cooks and chefs.
Hand washing is the most effective and obvious method of preventing the spread of disease.
A newer concern is allergies caused by the use of latex gloves for food preparation. Symptoms include nasal, eye, or sinus irritation, skin rash, hives, flushing, itching, asthma, and nausea. Severe reactions include respiratory or cardiac arrest. Violence is an ongoing issue. The vulnerability of this rate group grows as home delivery, catering, and longer hours become more common.