Waiting Tables: More Dangerous Than You Might Think

When you take a job as a server, you probably don't think of it as being very dangerous. After all, this is a common job done by many people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Surprisingly, however, waiting tables can actually be more dangerous than you might think. The risk of injury is quite real for people within this profession. Before you take on such a job, make sure you are aware of these risks and willing to take them on, as well as to protect yourself from them.

Burns

Every diner wants their food to be piping hot. Unfortunately for the waitstaff, this often means carrying very hot plates from the kitchen to the table. While workers are encouraged to use gloves or mitts when needed, the risk of burning one's hands picking up a dish is still very real.

In fact, even when a server takes care in picking up a dish, hot food could still slosh onto the server's body or feet. The same holds true for hot beverages, such as coffee.

Waiters and waitresses run a real risk of burning themselves, possibly severely, while on the job.

Slips and Falls

Another risk facing servers is the potential slip and fall on the job. Restaurants are prone to spills of both food and drink. If no one cleans these spills up properly, a server could easily slip and fall as a result.

Also, servers spend long hours on their feet, which can make their legs weak and tired. This, too, can contribute to an increased risk of slipping and falling. The risk for waitstaff increases when customers stick their chairs or bags out into the aisle, creating a tripping hazard for servers.

Cuts

Getting cut on the job is another common threat for servers. Just think of all the knives and sharp forks that servers come into contact with on a daily basis. Whether they are setting utensils on someone's plate or sorting through them at the end of a long shift, the possibility of getting cut is very real for servers.

Also, people regularly drop and break glasses and plates in restaurants. If a server cleans up these items, they could easily get cut. What's even worse is that minor cuts can potentially get infected and lead to more serious injuries for servers.

Vein Issues

Because servers are on their feet for long periods of time, if a person stays in this job long enough, they could eventually develop related issues, such as varicose veins. While varicose veins may just seem unsightly at first, they can become painful and lead to complications if not properly treated.

Servers need to wear supportive garments and take breaks in which they are off their feet as often as possible. Even with these protective measures in place, however, the risk of vein issues is still very present.

Food Poisoning

Many servers are given a free meal as a thank-you for their hard work. Some may even be invited to eat orders that were not cooked properly or that were never picked up or eaten for some reason.

While this is often seen as a benefit to servers, when food is not properly cooked or handled, food poisoning and other food-borne illnesses can become a threat.

Servers face many hazards. Fortunately, however, they do have protection under the law. If you are a server and have been injured as a result of your job, call on the advice of the professionals at Cole Fisher Cole & O'Keefe. We're experienced with helping workers like you receive fair compensation from workplace injuries.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.