Reducing Common Losses for Restaurants and Food Service Businesses

Below is an article from State Farm® about loss prevention recommendations for restaurants and food service businesses.

Your Restaurant, Fast Food, Bakery, Coffee Shop, Deli, Ice Cream Store, Catering and Refreshment business is exposed to many hazards that can cause disruptions to your daily operation.

Inspecting Your Premises

 
Periodically checking your property or place of business can help you recognize, address and eliminate hazards to create a safer environment for employees, customers, tenants or visitors. State Farm® has a free Sample Property Hazards Checklist to assist you. Inspect the applicable areas in your business, such as:

• Exterior
• Interior
• Storage areas
• Kitchen/bath areas
• Restrooms

Reducing Driver Distractions

 
Many companies in your industry utilize vehicles to conduct business and extra care is needed to prevent vehicle crashes. There are many types of behavior that can contribute to driver distractions, but all should be avoided while driving to help the driver focus on the road:

• Avoid using cellphones and other electronic devices while driving. This includes talking and texting. Even hands-free phone devices don’t completely eliminate distractions.
• Avoid smoking, eating and drinking.
• Avoid personal grooming.
• Avoid reaching for an object in a seat or floorboard.
• Avoid driving while drowsy.
• Avoid focusing on objects outside your vehicle that aren’t in your driving path.
• Avoid watching videos or reading.
• Avoid stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.

Kitchen Safety

 
The food service industry has many dangerous hazards, and injury prevention requires being alert and proactive.

• Slips and trips
• Keep boxes and litter out of walkways.
• Wipe up spills immediately, and place “wet floor” signs.
• Wear shoes with low heels and and slip-resistant materials.
• Maintain adequate lighting to improve visibility.
• Fire hazards
• Prevent grease buildup under range hoods and on stove tops.
• Make sure ovens, cooktops, pilot lights and wiring are inspected and in good working order.
• Check and service fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems each year.
• Burns
• Keep pots and pan handles away from the edge of the stove, and only use dry potholders instead of wet potholders, towels or aprons.
• Lift pot lids so that steam escapes toward the back of the pot.
• Cuts and punctures
• Use the correct knife for the job, and keep knives sharp and visible to avoid an accidental cut.
• Only pick up broken glass with a broom and dust pan.
• Be careful around food grinders and choppers, and turn the machine off or disconnect power before cleaning.
• Do not remove guards/shields on kitchen machines.
• Place a first aid kit in a readily accessible location.

Robbery and Safe Handling of Money

 
Armed robbery is a dangerous threat to you, your employees and customers. Robbers choose targets who have cash readily available, accessible and have loose security procedures.

There are important steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of robbery or theft of cash:

• Reduce the amount of money kept at the business.
• Make regular deposits.
• Prohibit transactions involving large bills during high-risk hours.
• Equip emergency exits with a panic bar, which allows for free exit but keeps the door locked from the outside. These doors can also be equipped with an alarm that sounds if the door is opened.
• Secure all doors. Doors shouldn’t be propped open.If employees need to go outside, the door should be equipped with a doorbell and peephole so the door can be closed until re-entry is needed.
• Install hold-up alarms, which are designed to notify authorities when a robbery has occurred. Employees should be properly trained in the use of the system Regular maintenance and testing is necessary to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Use closed circuit television or video recording systems to help identify and discourage robbers.
• Post a sign about the low quantity of cash in the register, or that employees cannot access a safe. This may discourage robbers.
• Train employees what to do in the event of a robbery. For example, don’t provoke the robber, cooperate and try to remember every detail that might help police.

Safe Lifting and Back Safety

 
Many jobs require an employee to lift and/or move objects — including materials, stock and machinery. It’s important to use proper lifting techniques to protect your back.

• Position your feet in a stance that gives a wide base of support.
• Bend at the knees to a squatting position. Don’t bend from the waist because this puts the back in a vulnerable position.
• Keep the distance between you and the load at a minimum.
• Avoid any twisting or jerking motions and lifting overhead.
• Lift only what you are capable of handling.
• Take your time. Lift, reach and carry carefully.
• Ask for help if it feels like or even appears to be more than a one-person job.

 
Some employers even establish specific rules of lifting for their workplace, including an item weight limit for an individual to move by themselves.
 

If you are interested in learning more about these free resources, or would like to request free loss control services for your State Farm-insured business, please contact the Business Lines Loss Control unit at (844) 892-8286, write us at LossControl@statefarm.com at statefarm.com/losscontrol.