As someone with nearly two decades of food service management experience, I can’t stress enough the importance of safety culture. Your associates are your greatest asset. Without great people, you can’t safely prepare, serve, or sell food. The fast-paced and high-intensity nature of this industry requires a safety mindset, or consequences ranging from inconveniences to life-altering events are in store.

According to a study released by risk management firm Marsh, an average food service worker’s compensation claim is at least $4,474, while time lost equates to more than $18,000. Litigated claims are now costing an average of $32,000. 

Injuries in the workplace, at best, interrupt the day’s process. At worst, employees are permanently maimed, resulting in drastic life changes for the affected employee, costly worker’s compensation claims, and additional recruiting, onboarding, and training time and dollars spent to replace the injured associate.

So ─ what does safety culture look like? 

Safety must be a cultural value in your operation. An employee-centered approach to safety means everyone owns their own safety, living and breathing safety principles every day in the workplace. Leadership operates with the mindset that every accident is preventable.

Educate and Train Your Staff

The foundation of safety as a cultural value is to ensure that all staff, from the dishwasher to servers to the executive chef, are properly trained on safety procedures. Developing a training course is one way to ensure relevant training materials on a consistent basis. This includes everything from how to use, care for, and store knives and other sharp objects to handling food properly to prevent cross-contamination. 

With new hires, it is critical to include safety training as part of their orientation rather than throwing them directly into the fray. 

Documenting safety training is just as crucial, and this level of accountability is vital in the (hopefully) rare instance where an associate’s conduct conflicts with established safety standards.

Embrace Gamification 

Our smart phones have mastered the art of gamification – alluring push notifications, instant serotonin boosts with social media engagement, and bright colors with fun graphics and diverting tunes snatch our attention for hours at a time. So why not apply this method to safety training? Here are a few suggestions for easy games and interactive activities you can quickly introduce into your operation: 

• Spin the Wheel | Blank, dry erase, color-blocked wheels are available through a variety of retailers. Add some safety-related trivia questions, have your team spin the wheel, and correct answers result in prizes of your choice: restaurant swag, gift cards, seasonal treats, and whatever else will motivate your team!
• My Why | Hang a blank poster with the written or printed message “My Why” and encourage your team to think about why they stay safe at work. Do they have a family at home – children or grandchildren they want to stay strong to play with or pick up? Perhaps they have a beloved pet that they love to hike with on their off days. Or maybe someone has been saving for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to another country. Whatever the reason, adding inspirational photos to this poster is a great team building activity and a visible reminder of why your team should choose safety daily. 

Prioritize Equipment Maintenance

Maintaining your kitchen equipment regularly is essential for preventing accidents and injuries from occurring due to faulty equipment. It is crucial to keep a record of when equipment is inspected, cleaned, and serviced to ensure that everything is in good working order. Scheduling routine maintenance for your equipment can prevent any unexpected breakdowns or problems that could lead to dangerous situations. Plus, maintaining equipment can lead to better efficiency and performance in the kitchen.

Lead by Example

A culture of safety starts from the top, and restaurant owners and operators need to lead by example. Conducting regular safety audits, verifying training is occurring, and adhering to established policies are all important ways to lead by example. Additionally, while walking through an operation, stop and make corrections when something is out of place, or an associate is not using the proper technique. By demonstrating the importance of safety daily, leaders create an atmosphere of accountability and shared responsibility for safety.

Empower Employees to Speak Up

Employees who have safety concerns or who witness unsafe practices must feel empowered to speak up about it without fear of negative consequences. Above all, employees who feel comfortable asking questions or making suggestions are more likely to be engaged, further promoting a culture of safety.

Not only does prioritizing safety prevent accidents and injuries, but it also contributes to a positive work environment and impacts metrics like employee retention and morale. When employees feel safe and valued, they’re more likely to thrive in their work. 

Creating a culture of safety in the workplace is essential for any business. Education, preventative maintenance, leading by example, and an empowered workforce are all benchmarks of success. By prioritizing safety, you will not only prevent accidents and injuries, protecting your profit, but you will increase efficiency and promote a more positive work environment.