Risks in the restaurant industry

The restaurant industry, whether in the dining room or the kitchen, is a high-risk profession. In fact, over 1,680,000 days of sick leave are recorded each year due to risks in the restaurant sector. These are often workplace accidents related to falls, handling, and, of course, the sharp tools and other dangerous utensils used daily in a restaurant, particularly by cooks. In this industry, improving working conditions for employees and preventing accidents and occupational illnesses are major priorities.

• The main risks

Workplace accidents in the restaurant industry are mostly related to:

– Falls down the stairs,

– Falls and slips in the kitchen or dining room,

– Cuts from knives,

– Cuts from broken glass

– Manual handling and awkward postures that cause muscle disorders

• The main objective: employee protection

Employee safety depends first and foremost on the infrastructure put in place by management. This includes non-slip flooring, which should be installed in the dining area but also, and especially, in the kitchen where aesthetics are less of a concern. Food, sauces, and other liquids tend to be left on the floor during service, posing a risk as employees are prone to slipping. For the dining area, solutions such as non-slip tiles are available to protect servers while maintaining the restaurant's aesthetic appeal. In the kitchen, it is also important to provide drainage systems, particularly in the dishwashing area. This can be achieved by installing drains or creating slight slopes with the use of squeegees. As for stairs , simply making them safe is sufficient, with good lighting, non-slip surfaces, and handrails to reduce falls, which are generally a recurring problem.

• Individual protection measures

Despite the numerous existing systems designed to protect employees, it is sometimes necessary for them to take personal protective measures to minimize risks. For example, a cook's uniform is standardized and essential for employee safety. Kitchen shoes are crucial; they provide comfort throughout their shift, good foot support, and have non-slip soles. Furthermore, most kitchen shoes protect the feet from burns and other injuries thanks to their highly resistant toecaps.

The chef's jacket and trousers must also be of good quality. Indeed, in addition to the hygienic aspect of a chef's attire, their safety and comfort must also be considered. Sturdy chef trousers can prevent burns and other injuries, as can a jacket with long, roll-up sleeves. For added comfort, the chef's jacket can also be breathable, a real advantage for employees who work in contact with heat throughout their shift.

• Manelli, No. 1 in professional clothing

Whether you need to equip your employees or protect yourself against these various risks, Manelli offers high-quality professional kitchen clothing to provide comfort and safety for every job. Whether you work in the kitchen or the dining room, you'll find what you need in our online store and in our physical shops in Nice and Paris.