We can't completely reduce the risk of falls but the need to take it seriously and take preemptive measures is obvious. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 9 million slip-and-fall injuries happen each year in the United States. According to ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, more than 4 million of those injuries are directly related to restaurant slip-and-fall accidents. In the foodservice industry we are at heightened risk for falls. The best way to combat this is targeting areas that are high risk and getting some anti-fatigue matting or rubber matting to help reduce risk.
The top recommendations by the NSC in regards to avoiding commercial kitchen accidents include the following:
Place non-slip/non-skid mats in the kitchen.
Be sure the floor beneath the floor mat is clean and dry.
Require non-skid footwear for anyone that works in or frequents the kitchen area.
Quickly clean up spills, oil, and grease that gets on the floor.
Place a caution sign on the slippery floor surface until the risk for hazard is gone.
Identify uneven floors with floor mats or install a ramp.
Keep walkways open and clear of extension cords or other trip hazards.
Watch for customers who may get up unexpectedly to avoid collisions.
