When someone says they are in a dangerous line of work, you might think they are employed by construction or mining companies. Restaurant work can also be hazardous, even though it might not appear that way, and the conditions can lead to severe workplace injuries.
Common work injuries among restaurant workers include:
- Burns: High heat from stoves, ovens, and fryers poses burn risks for workers. Besides that, food preparers and servers can get burned when handling hot cookware, food, and liquids like oil. There is also the risk of fire, which can get out of control.
- Cuts and wounds: Sharp edges on food processing equipment and knives can cause cuts and deep wounds. Cutting meat and slicing vegetables can be quite dangerous for workers.
- Chemical irritation: Restaurant kitchens and dining areas are cleaned with commercial products and sanitizers that can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs.
- Overexertion: As with warehouse work, restaurant employees are often tasked with lifting and carrying heavy items; one example is moving a heavy table to another spot in the dining room. This can cause neck, shoulder, and back injuries from overexertion.
- Repetitive motion: This can happen when the same motion is repeated repeatedly, like scrubbing out a sink or chopping onions. Either can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle or nerve damage.
- Slip and fall injuries: Restaurant floors are often slippery from spills, oil, and water. Workers can slip or trip and fall when not kept clean and dry. While some of these accidents do not cause injuries, others cause major ones like broken bones or head trauma.
Restaurant employees injured in commercial kitchens may be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Injured restaurant workers do not have to prove who caused the accident to collect benefits.
If you are eligible for coverage, the insurance benefits can help with the injury-related costs. That might include medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and disability.
Our Exton Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Represent Injured Restaurant Workers
A serious restaurant work injury can lead to medical procedures and bills. You do not have to go through this alone. Our Exton workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC can help. Call 610-594-1600 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.