Protect Your Restaurant Workers from BBQ Grilling Injuries
As warmer weather brings more outdoor dining and grilling activity, restaurants face an increased risk of workplace injuries related to hot surfaces, open flames, cooking equipment, and fast-paced work environments. According to the
AmTrust Restaurant Risk Report, June, July and August consistently see the highest number of restaurant workers' compensation claims. By providing proper training, enforcing safe grilling practices and ensuring employees understand how to use equipment correctly, restaurant owners and managers can help
reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer workplace for their teams.
BBQ Restaurant Risks
Summer is grilling and BBQ season, but many types of BBQ are considered a staple all around the U.S., with BBQ on the menus throughout the year.
Travel and Leisure describes it best, “In the U.S., and especially in the South, barbecue is a staple, and it’s all about cooking meat “low and slow,” so the end result is "tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat filled with flavor.”
BBQ restaurants of all styles have widespread popularity across America. But, just like other restaurants types, employees at BBQ establishments can be subject to work-related injuries including cuts, punctures and scrapes,
burns and muscle strains and sprains.
According to AmTrust claims data, BBQ restaurants experience some of the most severe lifting-related injuries in the restaurant industry. Employees at BBQ restaurants have the highest average days lost (65.9 days) out of all restaurant types for strain-by-lifting injuries. Hernias caused by lifting required an average of 392 days away from work, with ruptured shoulders the next leading contributor at 335 days lost.
Grilling Safety Tips for the Home
Even if you are not the owner or employee of a BBQ restaurant, you should still practice grilling safety tips to help reduce risk of injury at home. According to
FEMA, 70% of grill fires occur in residential areas, with the majority happening during the warmer months from May through August—peaking in July.
The NFPA put together outdoor grilling safety tips that would be good to remember for home, the company summer picnic and for restaurant chefs:
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railing, out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave a grill unattended.
- If you use starter fluid to start the grill fire, use only charcoal starter fluid.
- Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal receptacle.
- Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible near the grilling area and ensure employees know how to use it.
- Inspect propane tanks, hoses, and connections regularly for leaks or damage.
Important: Never use water on a grease fire. Use the appropriate fire extinguisher and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Restaurant Safety Solutions from AmTrust Risk Control Department
Whether your restaurant requires safety and loss control consultation, technical loss analysis, or training resources, AmTrust’s
Risk Control Department can help identify workplace hazards, provide safety training and recommend practical solutions tailored to your operation
. We provide the right recommendations and resources necessary to create an effective loss prevention program that supports your business's unique needs
. From BBQ restaurants and food trucks to full-service dining establishments, AmTrust provides insurance and risk control support designed to help create safer workplaces and reduce claims
. Please contact us today to learn more about our restaurant insurance and risk control services.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information.