Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Working on a food truck can be fun. There is so much camaraderie between employees because of the tight quarters, and the fast-paced environment keeps everyone on their toes.
However, the things that make working on a food truck fun are the same things that can make the job dangerous. There are a number of common food truck injuries that can happen to workers such as burns, cuts, slips and falls, smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent most of the injuries and to keep everyone safe, happy and healthy. Read on to learn about potential dangers to food truck workers and how to keep them from causing harm.
1. Burns
One of the most common restaurant injuries is burns. Because of the limited space inside a food truck, and the large percentage of open cooking space, food truck workers are even more susceptible to them. Some burns are minor, but some can be very severe.
In order to prevent burn accidents in your food truck, there are steps you can take. First, avoid overcrowding on range tops and keep those pot handles turned in. Employees should not wear loose clothing or flammable fabrics.
2. Cuts
Cuts are also very common in the foodservice industry due to the heavy presence of sharp knives, and it is one more emergency that can happen on board. Other cutting equipment such as slicers and graters can also cause painful cuts and puncture wounds.
To keep food truck employees safe from cuts, be sure to provide proper storage spaces for all sharp objects so they are never left out on counters when not in use. Provide knives that are the appropriate size for the work. Keep them sharp so they are easy to use without extra pressure.
3. Slips and Falls
Slips and falls can happen anywhere but in a small, hard-to-maneuver space like a food truck, they are even more likely. These types of accidents can be compounded by someone putting their hand on a hot stove to catch themselves or hitting their head on the way down. It’s better to prevent these sorts of food truck injuries before they occur.
Spills should be cleaned up immediately no matter how long the line outside becomes. Safety is your number one priority. Non-slip matting on the floors will help with traction, but keeping the main aisle clear at all times will help workers to avoid falls even more.
4. Car Accidents
Most of the time your food truck will be parked, but don’t forget that it is also a motor vehicle and a large one at that. Blind spots can be a problem so installing large back-up mirrors can help you to prevent accidents. All passengers should be seated and should wear a seatbelt while the food truck is in motion.
Prevent Food Truck Injuries
There are many food truck injuries that can occur in a lively food truck atmosphere, but avoiding them is a goal all workers should have. The majority of food truck injuries are avoidable with proper vigilance and prevention, so take the steps necessary to keep you and other food truck staff members safe.
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