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Protect Yourself from Service Industry Work Related Injuries
Working in the food and beverage and hotel industry can often be a very physically demanding job. Lots of walking, bending, stretching, plus working around hot ovens, dishwashers and grills can cause everything from sprained muscles to third degree burns. Keep the following tips in mind to stay safe and injury free.
- Make sure you are properly trained on any and all equipment you are required to use, including meat slicers, dishwashers and bakery ovens. Simply knowing the correct method of operation can reduce the chances of serious burns and lacerations.
- Food safety expert, Jeff Nelken says, “Slips and falls statistically land at the top of the list of accidents that occur in food service kitchens.” Training employees to be aware of wet floors, slippery rubber mats, and greasy and slick areas and to always wear slip-resistant shoes can alleviate many of these accidents.
- Lessen the chance of getting burned by keeping liquids away from fryers, paying close attention to foods covered in ice crystals going into a fryer, using protective gloves instead of dishtowels or aprons around hot handles and ovenware, turning off stove burners when not in use and never carry a heavy container of a hot liquid by yourself. Also, be careful around a commercial dishwashing machine. The hot water temperature is usually so high, steam burns can easily occur.
- Lodging housekeeping employees are often plagued with musculoskeletal injuries including repetitive motion trauma. Stretching before beginning a work shift, using proper lifting techniques, asking for assistance when tackling a heavy or awkward chore such as flipping a mattress and using long handled equipment whenever possible to reduce bending and stretching are all good practices which may prevent or lessen the severity of physical ailments.
- Check to see if your place of employment has and follows a safety workplace plan. Also, depending on the job description don’t hesitate to ask if personal safety equipment such as goggles, rubber gloves, face protection and skid-resistant booties are provided. When an injury does occur, report it to your supervisor immediately.
Searching for a bartender, chef or front desk position in and around the St. Louis area? Contact Staffing One Services for assistance.
Is There a Restaurant Industry Labor Shortage?
From locally owned Mom and Pop cafes with small “Help Wanted” signs in their front windows, to national chains with a big “NOW HIRING” banner draped across the front of the building, it seems there is service industry labor shortage. But is this true and if so, what is the cause?
By all reports there is definitely a scarcity of workers for all restaurant positions due in part to the rapid rise of new restaurants opening across the nation. For 2017 the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined there were more than 620,000 eating and drinking businesses throughout the United States and that number continues to increase at about double the rate of the population. And while statistics compiled by the National Restaurant Association have determined one out of every ten American workers currently work in the restaurant business, the rapid growth of new establishments has caused a nationwide restaurant labor shortage.
Another problem is the recent immigration raids on undocumented workers who for years have been the backbone of the restaurant business. Shannon Meade, Director of Labor and Work Force Policy for the National Restaurant Association has gone on record stating, “Our industry is very much in need of a temporary visa for the low-skilled, essential workers. While visas are available for seasonal work, a year-round visa program would go a long way to addressing hiring and retention issues.”
Adding more fuel to the fire is the lack of teenagers willing to work for low wages in an industry which has always relied on cheap labor in order to survive. Keith Miller, owner of three Northern California Subway franchises said, “We used to get overwhelmed with the number of people wanting summer jobs. Now I get maybe a handful of such applications. I don’t know what teenagers do all summer.”
Whether you are a restaurant owner searching for dependable employees, or a hostess, waitperson, chef, line cook or dishwasher looking for a new job, Staffing One Services can help. Please connect with one of our experienced employment counselors today for more information.
Why Didn’t I Get a Call Back After My Interview?
5 Tips for Getting Hired
You aced your in-person interview and walked out knowing before you even got home there would be an offer waiting in your inbox. But that email never materialized and when you followed up all you heard was the dreaded, “Sorry, we went with another candidate.” What went wrong? Well, first things first…there is no magic formula that guarantees you get hired every time. But perhaps these basic tips will help you seal the deal.
- Make sure you sound professional. Try recording yourself so you can hear what you really sound like. A lot of “umms” and “likes” in your speech pattern? Do you hesitate and seem to be searching for words? Practice speaking clearly, concisely and with confidence.
- What does your social media look like? Posts detailing partying and inappropriate behavior? Obnoxious comments or improper political or social views? These are all things that can quickly turn a hiring manager off.
- Don’t forget the obvious. Bathe, dress professionally and leave the overpowering perfume or cologne for the clubs. Leave your phone at home or at least in the car. Sit up straight and don’t fidget. Make eye contact with and smile at the interviewer. Your body language speaks volumes about how interested you are in being hired.
- You just weren’t the right fit. Perhaps you didn’t do your homework and couldn’t answer even the basic questions about the company. Maybe you misread the job description and you really weren’t qualified for the position. If you failed a required placement test, lied about your past employment history, showed up late, or were rude to the receptionist, then that’s probably your answer right there.
- No matter how many people you interviewed with send each and every one a thank you note as soon as possible. Don’t assume the last person you met with will be one responsible for making the final decision on your future.
Searching for your perfect career fit in and around the St. Louis area? Make Staffing One Services your first and only phone call. Connect with one of our professional staffing consultants at 314.361.2444. Call today. Work tomorrow.
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