occupational Safety Hazards in Food Service Operations & Food Handlers’ Safety and Hygiene

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

The practice of ensuring the safety and health of employees in the workplace, which is important for moral, legal, and financial reasons.

Three reasons for improving occupational safety

The moral reason is that no one should have to risk their health for work. The economic reason is that workplace injuries can cost society a lot of money. The legal reason is that firms are legally required to invest in occupational health and safety.

Hazard Identification and Risk Control

The proactive measures taken to prevent accidents and ensure the health and safety of employees, including identifying hazards and implementing controls to minimize risks.

Three basic steps in hazard identification and risk control

1. Identifying hazards by thoroughly inspecting the workplace for potential dangers. 2. Assessing the risks associated with each hazard to prioritize them. 3. Implementing controls to eliminate or minimize the risks, such as elimination or substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

Engineering Controls

Physical changes or modifications made to the workplace, such as workstation redesign or equipment modification, to enhance safety and ergonomics in task execution.

Administrative Controls

Organizational measures and safe work practices implemented to ensure a secure work environment, including planning, resource scheduling, and implementing safe work procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn by workers to protect themselves against hazards when other safety controls are not practical or in addition to other controls. Examples include masks, gloves, and slip-resistant footwear.

Solutions for hazards in food service

Recommendations for addressing specific hazards in the food service industry, including equipment solutions (using the right equipment to prevent hazards) and work practice solutions (carrying out work in a way that reduces the chance of hazards happening).

Proper Hand Washing

The practice of thoroughly washing hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs and foodborne illnesses.

Workplace Violence

Any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior that occurs at the workplace, which can affect and involve employees, clients, customers, and visitors.