Being a waiter or waitress is a difficult job that requires a lot of physicality, as well as interpersonal skills. But just like any job, there are specific workplace injuries that are especially common among wait staff. This article is for Minnesota waitresses and waiters who have been injured at work. We will discuss some of the more common workplace injuries that wait staff can sustain, how to prevent these injuries, and the steps to take after a work injury.
Slip & Fall Injuries
Waitresses and waiters are on their feet and walking (sometimes running) around the dining area, bar, and kitchen all day. Slippery floors – whether from spilled drinks and food, or from patrons trudging in snow from outside – are quite common in a restaurant. Wait staff needs to be extra careful when navigating the floor to avoid slip and fall injuries.
Burns
Waiters and waitresses are constantly transporting piping hot food and liquid from kitchen to table, while navigating a veritable obstacle course. These risk factors make burn injuries much more likely.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
There is a lot of physicality in a waiter’s day-to-day tasks. Waiting tables requires a lot of lifting and carrying of plates and glasses filled with food and drink. These items may not be all that heavy on their own, but over time after years of work, these daily tasks can add up to repetitive stress injuries like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and more.
Help for Waiters & Waitresses After a Work Injury
The best thing you can do for yourself after a restaurant work injury is to get the medical and legal help you need. Hey Workers provides free and confidential support to waiters and waitresses injured on the job in Minnesota. Make 844-Hey-Workers your first call after a work injury and we’ll get you set up with injury physicians and work comp attorneys in your area who can assist you through all the various aspects of your injury and claim. Let us handle all the complex legal and medical elements of your case so you can focus on what matters most – your recovery. Call 844-Hey-Workers today for your free consultation.
