Restaurant Industry Safety & Health - Front of the House

Information for:

• Hosts/Hostesses.
• Servers/Wait staff.
• Bar tenders, Bar staff.
• Runners, Server assistants.
• Bussers.
• Cashiers, Counter service workers.
• Drive-through attendants.
• Dining Room Managers/Supervisors.
• Caterers, Mobile food service workers.

Front-of-the-house food and beverage service workers are on their feet most of the time and often carry heavy trays of food, dishes, and glassware.  Serving food and bussing tables, especially while assuming awkward postures, may lead to back, neck, and shoulder strains and sprains.  Workers in drive-through stations face additional hazards such as vehicle exhaust and loud headset background noise.

Also, during busy dining periods, workers are under pressure to serve customers quickly and efficiently.  Injuries from slips, cuts, and burns often result from hurrying, spilling or touching hot dishes, or mishandling knives, utensils, and sharp tools.

If you also routinely or occasionally perform back-of-the-house tasks when cross-working help is needed, make sure you view that section as well.

How can I get help from L&I?

• To request a confidential workplace safety or health consultation, call or visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Basics/Assistance/Consultation/about.asp for no charge technical assistance.
• For help with controlling your claims costs, call or visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Basics/Assistance/Consultation/riskmanagement.asp for a no charge risk management consultation.
• Find information about filing a workplace safety & health complaint you may call or visit a local L&I office to file a complaint.
• Follow guidance in Steps To a Safe Workplace to create your safety program from scratch.
• For general information, call 1-800-423-7233.