Common Restaurant Claims and How to Avoid Them

Creating a safety–conscious work environment focused on accident prevention can help employers reduce the risk of a workplace injury. That is especially true for restaurant owners. Here are some tips to help prevent common restaurant insurance claims.

Fire Safety

• Regularly clean equipment to avoid grease buildup

• Have proper kitchen heat ventilation

• Provide employees with kitchen equipment care and fire prevention training

• Install and maintain fire suppression systems, extinguishers, and smoke and fire alarms

• Regularly inspect for and replace frayed electrical wires

• Check all equipment is shut off before closing

• Have an evacuation plan for employees and customers

Burns

• Use gloves or oven mitts and both hands when handling hot pots and pans

• Avoid wearing loose clothing

• Use protective tools such as splatter screens

• Raise and lower fryer baskets slowly

• Turn pot handles away from burners and the edge of the stove

• Use carts to transfer heavy or hot objects

Slip and Fall

• Install slip–resistant flooring and mats in areas prone to spills

• Keep walkways clear of wires or other obstacles

• Regularly check refrigerators and freezers for water leaks

• Require employees to wear slip–resistant footwear

• Promptly clean spills and schedule regular floor cleaning during low–traffic or off–hours

• Check and repair sidewalk and parking lot for tripping hazards such as cracks, and immediately remove snow and ice

General Injury

• Require kitchen help to wear cut–resistant gloves

• Keep kitchen floors clean and clear of debris

• Limit server food loads

• Rotate repetitive tasks among kitchen employees that could cause musculoskeletal injuries

• Provide employees with first–aid training, including CPR

Driving/Delivery

• Conduct driver background checks

• Provide driver assessment tests and safety training and reinforce safe driving practices

• Limit customer alcohol consumption

References

Tony Zhang, “How to protect your restaurant business from common and costly insurance claims,” (Oct. 17, 2024) Albuquerque Journal, https://www.abqjournal.com/clickable/how-to-protect-your-restauarant-business-from-common-and-costly-insurance-claims_122035ff-6192-575d-9514-d7c8194e5eb3.html#1

Matt Zender, “Recent Trends in Restaurant Claims,” (Feb. 2, 2019) Modern Management Magazine, https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/recent-trends-in-restaurant-claims