Health and safety in the workplace

Health and Safety in the Workplace

The Basics

  • Health and safety is a critical aspect within the hospitality industry. It’s designed to protect both employees and consumers in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other hospitality venues.
  • Government legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates the enforcement of health and safety measures.
  • Every establishment must have a Health and Safety Policy which outlines how it manages safety concerns.

Risk Assessment

  • Risk assessment is the process of identifying potential hazards, evaluating their danger, and taking steps to reduce or eliminate them.
  • In the hospitality industry, usual risks include slips, falls, cuts, burns, food poisoning, and more.
  • Risk assessments are often undertaken by a trained Health and Safety Officer, however all employees should be trained to identify risks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons, and goggles are utilised to safeguard workers from specific hazards related to their job.
  • PPE should be adequately maintained, regularly inspected for safety and replaced as necessary.

Food and Hygiene Safety

  • Food safety is a particular concern in hospitality. Poor food hygiene can lead to illnesses like salmonella and E.coli.
  • The Food Standards Agency (FSA) outlines guidelines to ensure food is stored, prepared, and cooked safely.
  • Employees must regularly wash their hands, maintain clean preparation areas, and adhere to correct processes when handling and cooking food.

Fire Safety

  • Proper fire safety measures include routine fire drills, clear escape routes, and the suitable use and storage of flammable materials.
  • Fire safety equipment like extinguishers, fire blankets, and fire alarms should be prominently placed, easily accessible and maintained regularly.

First Aid

  • At least one staff member should be trained in First Aid and a first aid kit should be available in the workplace.
  • In the event of an accident, the person responsible for First Aid should be immediately alerted.
  • All incidents should be recorded in an Accident Report Book.

Training and Communication

  • Constant training on health and safety procedures should be provided to all staff.
  • It’s crucial to establish open communication channels so any health and safety issues can be reported and promptly addressed.
  • Regular Health and Safety meetings can be an effective way to educate staff about updates or changes in procedures.