Restaurant Worker Safety - NYC Health

Health

Promoting and Protecting the City's Health


Permits and LicensesHealth AcademyFood OperatorsOpportunities

Opening a Restaurant
Operating a Restaurant
Training
Restaurant Worker Safety
The Inspection Process
Letter Grading for Restaurants
Required Signs
Health Code / Regulations
Mobile Food Vending
Food Vending at Temporary Events
Food Service Establishment Ombuds Office
Smoking Legislation
Green Carts

Opening a Restaurant

Operating a Restaurant

Training

Restaurant Worker Safety

The Inspection Process

Letter Grading for Restaurants

Required Signs

Health Code / Regulations

Mobile Food Vending

Food Vending at Temporary Events

Food Service Establishment Ombuds Office

Smoking Legislation

Green Carts


Restaurant Worker Safety

Restaurants can be dangerous places for workers. Hot equipment and oil, sharp knives, heavy lifting, hot work areas, and slippery floors are common in restaurants.

The most frequent injuries and illnesses among restaurant workers include:

Muscle strains, sprains and tears from slips, trips and falls; overexertion in lifting; repetitive motions; reaching and twisting.

Cuts and lacerations from knives; food and beverage processing machinery such as slicers, grinders and mixers; and broken glass.

Burns and scalds from hot liquids; hot oils and grease; heating and cooking equipment such as ovens and grills; hot pots and trays; and steam.

Fortunately, most of these injuries can be avoided. There are things that owners and managers can do to promote safety where they work and there are things that employees can do to protect themselves. See the brochures below for tips for health and safety tips for both workers and employers:

Protect the Hearing of Staff and Customers in Your Restaurant or Bar (PDF)

Restaurant Safety Brochure (PDF)

Other Languages: Español |
繁體中文

Bike Safety Card for Delivery Workers (PDF)

Other Languages: Español |
繁體中文

Additional Resources

Youth Worker Restaurant Safety