5 common health & safety hazards in the hospitality industry

Posted 4 years ago

5 common safety hazards in the hospitality industry

The hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic, fast-paced industry sectors, employing millions worldwide in roles such as chefs, waiters, hotel staff, cleaners and many more. However, this vibrant industry also comes with its fair share of significant health and safety risks.

From bustling kitchens to crowded dining areas, there are potential hazards lurking in every corner. When owning a hospitality business, you need to be proactive in identifying and mitigating these risks to make sure the safety of both your staff and your customers.

In this article, we’ll explore the 5 most common health & safety hazards seen in the hospitality sector, how to identify them and strategising how to prevent them. Giving you the understanding of tackling these hazards and how it’s critical to your business success and staff wellbeing.

What are Health & Safety Hazards in the Hospitality Industry?

A health & safety hazard is anything that could cause harm, injury or illness in the workplace. The hospitality industry is particularly prone to hazards due to the high-pressure nature of the work, the use of hazardous substances and the interaction between staff and customers.

The five most common hazards in the hospitality industry are:

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Injuries from Incorrect Manual Handling

Hazardous Chemicals

Fire Hazards

Mental Health Hazards

Let’s explore each hazard in detail.

1. Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of injury in the hospitality sector, accounting for over 31% of non-fatal workplace injuries. These incidents are particularly prevalent among kitchen staff, chefs, and waiting staff, who frequently navigate busy environments with potential hazards. Given the fast-paced nature of hospitality businesses, especially during peak hours, proactive risk management is essential to maintaining a safe workplace.

Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls

These accidents can occur in various situations, including:

Food and drink spillages – Liquids or food dropped on the floor can create a serious slipping hazard.
Wet floors – Recently mopped areas, leaks, or rainy weather conditions can leave floors slippery.
Trip hazards – Loose floor mats, uneven surfaces, cables, and low obstacles can cause trips.
Blocked or cluttered walkways – Storage boxes, cleaning equipment, or poorly placed furniture can obstruct safe movement.
Poor lighting – Dimly lit corridors or work areas increase the risk of misjudging steps or missing hazards.

How to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

To minimise these risks, hospitality businesses should implement the following safety measures:

Clean up spills immediately – If a liquid or food item is spilt, it should be wiped up straight away, and a ‘Wet Floor’ sign should be placed to warn others.
Use appropriate signage – Wet floor signs should be clearly visible whenever cleaning is in progress or when floors are wet due to external factors (e.g., rain).
Ensure proper footwear – Staff should wear slip-resistant shoes with good grip to reduce the risk of slipping.
Keep walkways clear – Aisles and pathways should remain free from clutter, including stock, bags, or stray cables.
Fix uneven flooring – Any damaged or uneven flooring should be repaired as soon as possible, or hazard warnings should be in place.
Improve lighting – Adequate lighting should be provided in all work areas, hallways, and storage spaces to prevent missteps.
Train staff in hazard awareness – Employees should be encouraged to stay vigilant, report hazards, and take responsibility for maintaining a safe workspace.

By staying proactive and regularly assessing potential hazards, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls—ensuring a safer environment for staff and customers alike.

2. Injury from incorrect manual handling

In the fast-paced hospitality environment, staff are often required to handle heavy items, from tables and deliveries to full pots and luggage. Unfortunately, 17% of non-fatal injuries in the hospitality sector stem from incorrect manual handling, particularly when lifting, carrying, or moving heavy or awkwardly shaped objects.

Incorrect manual handling can lead to a range of injuries, particularly to the back, shoulders, and joints. These injuries can significantly impact both short- and long-term health, making it vital to implement proper lifting techniques and training.

Common Items Involved in Manual Handling Injuries

Tables – Heavy tables often need to be moved for cleaning or re-arranging seating arrangements.
Deliveries – Stock such as oil, packs of vegetables, or large tins must be handled properly to avoid strain.
Luggage – Lifting suitcases or bags can strain the back if not done correctly.
Full pots – Pots filled with food or liquids can be heavy and awkward to carry, especially when moving large quantities.
Piles of plates – Stackable items like plates can be difficult to carry safely, especially when overloaded.

Proper Manual Handling Techniques

It’s essential for all staff, from chefs to waiting staff, to understand the correct techniques to minimise the risk of injury. Let’s break down how to lift different items correctly:

Lifting Tables – Tables are often heavy and awkward to carry. Always lift with a team when moving large tables, and avoid lifting alone. Use proper lifting braces to help distribute the weight evenly and avoid putting strain on your back. Ensure your grip is firm and your body is aligned while lifting.
Handling Deliveries – When packing away deliveries, such as large tins of food, bottles of oil, or heavy crates, always bend your knees and use your legs to lift, not your back. If the item is particularly large or bulky, ask for assistance to avoid carrying it alone.
Carrying Luggage – Lifting luggage should be done using your legs, not your back. Squat down to pick up the item, hold it close to your body, and keep your back straight while standing up. Avoid twisting your body while carrying luggage, as this can cause strain on your back.
Moving Full Pots – Pots filled with food or liquids can be especially tricky due to their weight and the potential for spills. When lifting, ensure your hands are placed symmetrically on the pot, and keep the pot close to your body to maintain balance. Use both hands, and if the pot is too heavy to lift safely, ask for assistance.
Lifting Piles of Plates – When carrying stacked plates, avoid overloading the pile, and always hold the stack firmly with both hands. Hold plates as close to your body as possible, ensuring the stack is balanced. Avoid carrying heavy stacks of plates in one go, as this increases the risk of dropping them or injuring yourself.

The Importance of Manual Handling Training

To reduce the risk of injury, it is crucial that all employees—including chefs, waiting staff, cleaners, and others—are trained in proper manual handling techniques. Regular training and refresher courses can help staff recognise the importance of correct lifting and carrying practices, empowering them to avoid unnecessary injuries.

By fostering a culture of manual handling awareness and implementing correct techniques, hospitality businesses can protect their staff from injury, improving overall safety and productivity.

3. Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals are commonly found in commercial kitchens and hospitality settings, not just in cleaning agents but also in substances like carbon dioxide gas, which is used for dispensing drinks. Exposure to these chemicals can pose serious health risks if not handled correctly.

Examples of Hazardous Chemicals in Hospitality

Cleaning agents – Bleach, degreasers, and oven cleaners can cause skin irritation, burns, or respiratory issues if inhaled.
Disinfectants and sanitisers – Chemicals such as chlorine and quaternary ammonium compounds can be harmful if misused.
Pressurised gases – Carbon dioxide (CO₂) used in drink dispensers can displace oxygen, creating a suffocation risk in poorly ventilated areas.
Cooking-related fumes – Prolonged exposure to fumes from frying oils or grilling can lead to respiratory issues.
Pesticides and pest control substances – Used in food storage areas but can be toxic if improperly stored or handled.

Preventing Hazards from Chemicals

To ensure safety, employees must follow strict procedures when handling hazardous substances. Key preventative measures include:

Understanding hazard symbols – Staff should be trained to recognise symbols such as corrosive, toxic, flammable, or harmful.
Proper storage – Chemicals should be kept in their original containers, away from food and heat sources, and in well-ventilated areas.
Using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Gloves, goggles, aprons, or masks should be worn as needed when handling hazardous substances.
Ventilation – Work areas should be well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of fumes from cleaning agents or pressurised gases.
Following COSHH guidelines – The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) ensure that hazardous chemicals are used safely to minimise health risks.
Spill management – Staff should be trained in how to respond to chemical spills, including using appropriate absorbent materials and avoiding direct contact.
First aid and emergency procedures – Knowing what to do in case of exposure, such as rinsing skin or eyes with water and seeking medical help, is crucial.

By following these precautions, and gaining a deeper understanding of COSHH regulations, businesses can minimise the risk of illness or injury from hazardous chemicals while ensuring a safe working environment for employees.

4. Fires

Commercial kitchens and hospitality environments pose a significant fire risk due to the presence of gas, open flames, electrical equipment, and flammable substances such as cooking oils and cleaning chemicals. While most fires are preventable, ensuring staff understand fire hazards, how fires spread, and the correct emergency procedures is crucial for maintaining a safe workplace.

Common Fire Hazards in Hospitality

Cooking equipment – Deep fat fryers, gas stoves, and grills generate high temperatures and can ignite flammable substances.
Oil and grease buildup – Accumulated grease in extraction systems and on surfaces can fuel fires.
Faulty electrical equipment – Overloaded sockets, damaged wiring, and malfunctioning appliances can cause electrical fires.
Flammable materials – Paper towels, packaging, and cleaning chemicals can easily catch fire if stored incorrectly.
Gas leaks – Faulty gas lines or appliances can lead to dangerous fires or explosions.

Preventing Fires in the Workplace

To reduce the risk of fire, all staff should be trained in fire prevention and safety measures, including:

Proper equipment maintenance – Regularly servicing gas appliances, extraction systems, and electrical equipment to prevent malfunctions.
Cleaning grease and oil buildup – Making sure extraction fans, hoods, and cooking surfaces are cleaned to prevent grease fires.
Safe storage of flammable substances – Keeping cleaning chemicals, oils, and combustible materials away from heat sources.
Using the correct fire extinguisher – Staff should know which extinguisher to use for different types of fires (e.g., CO₂ for electrical fires, wet chemical for grease fires).
Never leaving cooking unattended – Ensuring someone is always monitoring active cooking equipment.
Turning off appliances after use – Gas and electrical appliances should be switched off when not in use.

Emergency Fire Procedures

In the event of a fire, quick action is essential. Staff should:

Raise the alarm immediately – Alerting others and activating fire alarms.
Follow the evacuation plan – Exiting the premises using designated routes and avoiding lifts.
Use fire extinguishers only if safe – If the fire is small and manageable, staff trained in extinguisher use may attempt to put it out.
Call emergency services – Dialling 999 to report the fire as soon as possible.
Do not take risks – If the fire is spreading, prioritise evacuation over firefighting.

Fire awareness is vital in any workplace, particularly in hospitality, where fire risks are high. By training staff in prevention and emergency response, businesses can help protect employees, customers, and property from potentially devastating fires.

5. Mental Health Illnesses

Working in hospitality often involves long hours, high-pressure situations, and fast-paced environments. These factors can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, making it crucial for employers to prioritise mental well-being alongside physical health.

Common Mental Health Challenges in Hospitality

Work-related stress – High customer expectations, tight deadlines, and demanding workloads can lead to burnout.
Anxiety and depression – Irregular shifts, lack of work-life balance, and job insecurity can impact mental well-being.
Fatigue and exhaustion – Long hours and physically demanding work can contribute to chronic tiredness, affecting mental health.
Social isolation – Night shifts or unsociable working hours may lead to a sense of disconnection from friends and family.

Recognising the Signs of Mental Ill-Health

Employers and colleagues should be aware of common signs that someone may be struggling, including:

Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
Withdrawal from social interactions
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Increased absenteeism or lateness
Physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

To create a supportive working environment, businesses can:

Encourage open conversations – Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health without stigma.
Offer mental health resources – Provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling services, or helplines.
Promote work-life balance – Ensure fair shift patterns, adequate breaks, and reasonable working hours.
Train managers in mental health awareness – Equip team leaders with the skills to recognise and address mental health concerns.
Create a positive workplace culture – A supportive and inclusive environment can help reduce stress and improve morale.

Mental health awareness in hospitality is gaining recognition, and businesses that actively support employee well-being can improve job satisfaction, retention, and overall workplace morale. You can read more about mental health challenges in hospitality in our blog.

The Importance of Tackling Health & Safety Hazards in Hospitality

A strong commitment to health & safety goes beyond legal compliance—it’s essential for business success. In hospitality, addressing health & safety hazards not only protects employees but also improves overall operations.

The Benefits of Prioritising Safety:

Fewer Workplace Accidents: Proactive safety measures help reduce the risk of injuries for both your staff and customers.
Lower Insurance Premiums: When you have a safe and secure business from a health & safety standpoint, this will lead to fewer accidents, fewer insurance claims and reduced insurance costs.
Increased Employee Morale: A safe environment leads to happier, more productive employees.
Reduced Absenteeism: Fewer injuries and illnesses mean less time off, keeping operations running smoothly.
Better Customer Service: With a focused, well-trained team, customer service quality improves, which will bring in repeat business.

The Risks of Neglecting Safety

Neglecting safety can result in fines, reputational damage, and high staff turnover. Unaddressed hazards create a stressful environment, reducing employee retention and customer trust.

By addressing health & safety, hospitality businesses ensure a safer, more efficient environment for both staff and guests, supporting long-term success.

The Role Of Healthy & Safety Training In Hospitality

Proactive health & safety management is key, as it sets good habits and will help ensure even at busier times staff can do their job safely. The best way to support your staff and meet your legal obligations is to provide engaging workplace health, safety and wellbeing training.

Here at iHasco, we offer a range of suitable online training courses for the hospitality industry, including health & safety training. Why not claim a free, no-obligation trial today to see the courses for yourself!

If you’re not sure exactly what courses you may need, get in touch with our team today and we’ll help you to work out your organisation’s unique training requirements.