Restaurant workers comprise one of the largest groups of workers injured in the U.S. each year.  They are exposed to many job-related hazards that may cause serious injuries and illnesses impacting their lives, income, and family members.  All restaurants, from full-service to limited-service restaurants, cafeterias, caterers, food service contractors, and drinking establishments, must follow Accident Prevention Program (APP) rules to address all potential workplace hazards.  The ultimate goal of your APP (or Safety Plan, or whatever term you use in your workplace) is to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.  Prevention begins with identifying possible hazards and finding solutions that eliminate or control hazards.

Preventing workplace injuries and illnesses makes good business sense.  Costs associated with such injuries and illnesses can be devastating to workers and businesses.  With a strong APP in place, you can focus your efforts on making your business grow.

• Restaurant Safety Factsheet (172 KB PDF).
• Restaurant Injury and Worker Safety and Health Inspection Data (321 KB PDF).

Front of the House

• Hosts/hostesses.
• Servers (waiters, waitresses).
• Bar tenders, sommeliers.
• Runners and helpers.
• Bussers.
• Cashiers, counter service workers.
• Drive-through attendants.
• Dining Room Managers, First-line Managers/Supervisors.

Back of the House

• Cooks/Chefs.
• Food preparation workers.
• Pastry Chefs, Bakers.
• Dishwashers.
• Sanitation/cleaning staff.
• Repair/maintenance staff.
• Material movers/supply stockers.

Office and Administrative Support

• Managers.
• Administrative / Office support staff.

Home & Outgoing Deliveries

• Delivery drivers.
• Packagers / baggers.
• Mobile food service workers.
• Caterers.

Young Worker Safety

• Workers Under 20-25 Years Old.

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.