Delivery Safety
The delivery area of a restaurant can expose workers to opportunities for developing their skills in communication, material handling, and inventory control. However, they may also have to deal with the following hazards:
- strains and sprains
- heat and cold exposure
- slips/trips/falls
- freezers
Strains and Sprains
Workers can hurt themselves when they reach for and lift heavy loads while unloading and stacking supplies for restaurants.
Workers can hurt themselves when they reach for and lift heavy loads while unloading and stacking supplies for restaurants. Those injuries can increase if done in awkward postures. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from strains and sprains:
- Stack heavier items on lower shelves.
- Store lighter goods on top shelves.
- Stack items commonly used at waist level.
- Get help from co-workers when lifting heavy items.
- Use hand carts when moving products.
- Lighten the load to be lifted by asking your employer to buy smaller and, therefore, lighter cartons of stock.
- Before you lift something, size up the load:
- Wear gloves to prevent exposure to nails.
- Make sure the load is balanced and stable.
- Make sure you have a clear traveling path.
When lifting, do the following things:
- Bring the load as close to your body as possible before lifting.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Keep your head up, your back straight and bend at your hips.
- Avoid awkward postures while lifting, such as twisting or side bending.
On the other hand, when lowering, do the following things:
- Your body position when setting the load down is just as important as when you lift the load. Use your leg muscles to lower the load by bending your knees.
- Be sure your fingers and toes are clear before setting the load down.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-1. What shelf should heavier items be placed on?
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