As a thriving business in southern California, you likely know just how important it is to run an efficient and safe operations. If your business in the food service industry, you’ll also have added health and regulatory rules to follow.
With a number of possible injuries and risk that can happen, it’s critical to keep safety at the forefront of any restaurant.
According to OSHA, the minimally acceptable number and type of first-aid supplies required for small worksites of approximately two to three employees (and which should be increased based on the size of an operation) includes:
- Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
- Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
- Box adhesive bandages.
- One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
- Two triangular bandages.
- Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
- At least one blanket.
- Adhesive tape.
- Latex gloves.
- Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.
- Two elastic wraps.
- Directions for requesting emergency assistance.
While having a first aid kit on hand at your restaurant is vital, here are some of the other things to keep top of mind to run a safe, successful commercial kitchen.
Fire & Burn Hazards
One of the top injuries that occur in kitchens are burns. Since there are so many hot objects being used, making one error can result in serious blistering and burns. Be sure your staff is properly trained to handle hot equipment and foods and that they are aware of the dangers even steam can present.
Burns can also be caused by fires, which happen easily when you’re using hot stoves, open fires and deep fryers. Combined with the often fast-paced nature of a kitchen, it can be easy for a fire to get started. Keep extinguishers on hand and train staff with proper fire safety procedures to minimize risk. You should also be sure smoke detectors are working and placed in all the right areas.
Bodily Injuries
As wait staff, cooks and other employees scurry about on a busy night, it’s easy for accidents to occur. Some oil spills to the floor and someone slips, spraining their ankle. A box falls from a shelf and is now in the usual traffic pattern, and someone trips. The best way to avoid these accidents is to set rules in place. Things like immediately wiping up spills and keeping walking areas clear will go a long way in preventing accidents.
Food Safety & Proper Prep
The dangers in a kitchen extend beyond just employees getting hurt on the job. There are also many food handling and safety precautions to have in place. Storing food correctly to avoid spoil, good hygiene and cooking knowledge are all key to ensuring the food served at your establishment won’t lead to illness or even death.
SoCal First Aid® offers full, comprehensive first aid kit as well as easy refill services, training and certification for your entire kitchen and restaurant staff. This includes first aid training for cuts, falls, burns, strained muscles, as well as CPR, Heimlich, and AED certification.
Protect your Southern California restaurant now!
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