Feb 10, 2023 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Restaurants can have many hazards for employees. From waiters and busboys and kitchen staff and chefs, there are many ways to get hurt. If you work in a restaurant, you have to be careful so that you do not get into an accident at work. Restaurant staff safety is something that all restaurants should ensure.
How-to Ensure Restaurant Staff Safety: Safe at Work
Waitstaff
Being a waitress or waiter has its risks. Restaurant floors can be slick, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are a good option. This could keep you from falling. A way to help ensure restaurant staff safety is to make sure floors are not wet or slippery. Non-skid floor mats can help prevent someone from slipping and falling. Placing mirrors on blind corners can lower the risk of employees running into each other in a busy kitchen and work environment. Another risk that waitstaff face is walking with heavy trays full of food or drinks. These trays could actually block the view while the person carrying it is walking, not to mention strain put on your body. The heavy tray could actually fall and hit the employee or someone else on the head.
Kitchen Staff
The kitchen staff is around many dangerous things while working. For example, they work with very sharp knives. There will also be very hot objects like stoves, deep fryers, and ovens. This increases the risk for burns. Knives and sharp tools should be in good condition and also sharp. An important part of ensuring restaurant staff safety is to make sure that employees are all trained on the equipment. They should also know how to properly handle and store sharp objects.
Since restaurants are usually very fast-paced work environments, they are at higher risk for accidents to occur. As an owner or manager, do not over-expect and push workers to go faster than they should. If someone feels rushed, they are more likely to make a mistake. This is when an accident is more likely to occur.
As you can see, there are many hazards that can come along with working in a restaurant. By wearing the appropriate attire, not rushing, and being properly trained, there is a lower chance of an employee injury and a higher chance of restaurant staff safety.
Oct 16, 2022 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
You may be looking at ways to make money while on workers comp. If you’re injured and unable to work, you will likely only receive two-thirds of your regular pay. Keep in mind, working a second job or a side-job could affect your benefits. Check with your policy and laws before deciding to proceed.
Make Money While on Workers Comp: Ideas to Make Money
Sell Your Clutter
You can make money while on workers comp plus clean out your house at the same time. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace are a great place to cash in on things you are not using. Poshmark is more focused on clothing items, while eBay and Facebook Marketplace are for just about anything.
Rent Out a Room
If you have a spare room in your home, and feel comfortable doing so, you could rent it out on Airbnb to make money while on workers comp. This works best if you live in or near a big city, or an attraction of some sort. Beaches, state or national parks, or other scenic areas are top spots for people to want to rent a room. Don’t forget to check the rules of where you live to make sure you are allowed to put your place on Airbnb.
Take Surveys
There are plenty of websites where you can take surveys for cash. This is an easy way to make some extra money while on workers comp while on your phone or computer. Surveys will range in length and pay, but there’s money to be made.
Become a Driver
With rideshares growing in popularity, you can become a driver to bring in extra money. Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are options you can look into. These services have branched into food delivery as well, which will give another money making opportunity. Of course this is all dependent on what type of injury you have sustained.
Etsy
If you’re crafty, you could make extra money by selling items on Etsy. This site is great for arts and crafts. From jewelry to paintings, and handmade cards to sticker decals, there is a little bit of everything on Etsy.
If you need to make some extra money while on workers comp, there are plenty of options available. Your options may be limited due to the type of injury you have, and the rules surrounding your claim.
Apr 9, 2021 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Like most things involving employment and the law, worker’s compensation benefits can come with a lot of questions. The worker’s comp questions that you have are probably the same questions that a lot of others have. If you have been injured or involved in an accident at work, we can help. Since each case is different, please consult an attorney for assistance regarding your particular case.
Worker’s Comp Questions: What People Are Asking
What should I do first?
After an accident, you should report it to your employer. In these cases, sooner is better. You must report this to your employer within the time frame your state allows. Additionally, you should report injuries as soon as they become apparent. Your employer should create an accident report. This report will help in your claim to benefits. As one of the most popular common worker’s comp questions, it’s important that employees know their rights.
Which doctor should I see?
Usually, your employer will have their own doctor that their insurance requires you to see. This is one of the common worker’s comp questions that has varying answers, however. The doctor you see for your worker’s compensation claim may vary by state, so do not just assume your normal doctor is the right one to see. Keep in mind, you may wish to gain a second opinion. In these cases, your regular doctor would work well however make sure you are documenting everything and consulting with a lawyer, as well as your employer.
I’m at fault. Now what?
Luckily, the whole point of worker’s compensation benefits is to protect the worker, no matter the fault. Common worker’s comp questions like this have conditions, however. You will be covered if you did not inflict the accident yourself. Also, accidents as the result of a drug or alcohol influence will not be covered.
What benefits will I get?
Lastly, this common worker’s comp question does not have a concrete answer. Depending on your situation, your state, and your employer, you benefits can vary. Also, your situation will dictate what kind of benefits are acceptable for you. The list of common worker’s comp questions goes on and on. It is easy for others to tell you what to do, but consult an attorney before taking any advice that may jeopardize your worker’s compensation claim. In summary, knowing what your benefits are, what you should do, and what you shouldn’t will help you on your journey to a successful worker’s compensation claim.
May 20, 2020 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Since 2014, fatal workplace injuries due to fires have been decreasing. This is in large part due to better workplace fire safety. Knowing what you can do in your workplace to prevent and handle fires can help keep you and your coworkers safe…
Workplace Fire Safety: Setting Safety Protocol
Watch for fire hazards
It’s important to be aware of potential fire hazards in the workplace. After all, good workplace fire safety means taking a proactive approach. However, different workplaces can have different fire hazards. Therefore, you should be aware of the unique hazards you might find. Common fire hazards include flammable liquids, gases, and high-heat equipment. Dusty workplaces also pose a fire risk, especially if you’re using tools that cause sparks. Even piles of papers and cardboard can be fire hazards due to them potentially being fuel if a fire breaks out.
Have fire extinguishers ready
If a fire does break out in the workplace, you need to know how to handle it. Smaller fires can potentially be put out with the use of a fire extinguisher. That’s why good fire extinguisher knowledge is key for workplace fire safety. You should know where your workplace keeps their fire extinguishers at all time. Additionally, make sure you know how to properly use the extinguishers as well. If you don’t feel confident, you can ask your supervisor to go over how to use them just in case.
Have an exit plan
If a fire breaks out that can’t be controlled by an extinguisher, then you need to have an exit plan. Know where the quickest exit routes are and follow them in the case of a fire. You should also have other routes memorized just in case your main route is inaccessible. Try to go over your emergency workplace fire safety plan with your supervisor. This will help you know where you need to go and what you should do when you get there.
Many workplaces will also have diagrams posted with exit routes as well for you to check. Good workplace fire safety is important for keeping you safe in case a fire breaks out. Remember that your safety is the priority. If the fire is out of hand, evacuate and let the professionals handle it.
Mar 11, 2020 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Depending on your job, You might find yourself having to lift and move objects during your shift. That means it’s especially important to know what the proper lifting techniques are. Not lifting properly could cause some problems for you now and in the future…
Proper Lifting: Keep Your Body Safe
Know your body’s limits
Even if you consider yourself to be pretty strong, everyone has their limits. Trying to work past these limits could open you up to an increased injury risk. That’s why proper lifting practices means knowing these limits and working around them.
The recommended maximum weight for a person to carry solo is about 50 pounds. Anything weighing more than this should be approached differently. For example, you can ask for some help from another co-worker. You can also make use of tools like forklifts, carts, or hand trucks to move those heavier items without straining yourself.
Technique is key
It’s also important to practice proper lifting techniques. Improper lifting techniques tend to be a major source of lifting-related injuries. The most common of these are back injuries and pain, which one-half of all working Americans have claimed to experience.
When lifting a heavy object, use your legs to lift instead of your back. This will help reduce the strain on your back. Lift straight up, and try to keep the object close at about the mid-chest level. Avoid twisting while lifting too, as this could shift the weight onto your sides and back.
Take breaks
Not only should you watch how you lift, but also how often you’re lifting. Constantly lifting and moving heavy objects can increase your injury risks even if you’re using proper lifting techniques. That’s why an important part of proper lifting is knowing when to take breaks.
Try to break your work into shorter segments rather than doing it all in one go. That will help your muscles not get fatigued as quickly. Also, try to rotate tasks between yourself and other employees, so you all are able to get a break in-between tasks. Once you’re able to take a break, try to do some stretches to keep your muscles loose so they won’t tense up once you get back to work.
Mar 4, 2020 | Work, Workers' Compensation
A worker’s hands can be some of their most valuable tools. Your hands are a crucial part of nearly any job. However, much like eye injuries, hand injuries are some of the most common in the workplace. With how important they are, it’s important to know how you can keep your hands safe…
Hand Injuries: Avoiding Common Injuries
Most common injuries
It’s important to first be aware of the most common hand injuries. Often times, cuts and punctures will be common, especially if you work around sharp or pointed objects. However, there’s also the risk of lacerations, which are deeper cuts that could cause more serious damage.
There’s also crushes and fractures. Crushes occur when your hand gets caught between something, usual some machinery, and another hard surface like a wall. These could cause permanent damage, especially to the muscles. Fractures can also occur, as well as occurring after slips and falls.
Using protective gear
Protective gear goes a long way in avoiding hand injuries. The most used form of hand protection is, of course, gloves. However, not every kind of glove will work for every kind of job. That’s why it’s important to choose the right glove type for the job at hand.
For example, if you’re working with sharp objects, you’ll want gloves that are tougher with more layers of protection. Yet if you’re working with hotter objects, then you’ll need more heat resistance. Furthermore, if you handle chemicals, then you’ll need gloves which can protect against chemical burns. These are just a few examples, but it ultimately comes down to knowing what kind of protection you need while on the job.
Be smart when using machines
Gloves are just one part of preventing hand injuries. You’ll also need to be smart and safe when using machinery to help prevent crushes and fractures. This means being alert when using any machinery, as well as using any safety features they have.
Getting distracted while using machinery increases your chances of accidentally injuring your hands. That’s why your focus should remain on the machine instead of anything else that could distract you. Also, many machines will have safety guards or other protections that you can use to keep yourself safe while using or reaching inside of them.
