Fast Food Worker Injuries
The restaurant industry in general is a dangerous place for workers, who can be injured in a wide range of accidents like skips and fall due to liquid spills from food and customer drinks, cooking-related injuries like burns and lacerations, injuries caused by heavy lifting while bussing tables, and repetitive-motion injuries for servers, chefs and cooks, cashiers, and more. While it is possible for an employee to get hurt at any type of restaurant and in any kind of food-service job, work at fast food restaurants can be especially hazardous. Indeed, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), injury rates are higher in fast food jobs than in other areas of the food services industry.
What should fast food workers know about injuries and workers’ compensation in South Florida? Consider the following information from our Sunrise workers’ compensation attorneys.
What is the Fast Food Industry?
In order to understand why worker injury rates are often higher at fast food restaurants than in other jobs in the food services industry, it is important to understand how fast food establishments are distinct from other types of restaurants. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first recognized use of the term “fast food” was in 1960, and it referred to “food that can be prepared and served quickly.” In more recent years, health advocates have noted the potential harms of a diet consisting largely of fast food. Merriam-Webster distinguishes “fast food” from “fast casual.” The latter refers to “a restaurant that combines elements of fast food service (such as counter ordering) with other elements (such as made-to-order food) that are typical of a full-service restaurant.”
Most fast food restaurants are chain restaurants that exist not only in South Florida, but throughout the state and across the country. Common fast food restaurants include McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Five Guys, and Taco Bell. Since food must be prepared quickly (resulting in rushing), and frequently in a deep fryer, injuries are somewhat common for workers and can vary in terms of severity.
Common Fast Food Worker Injuries
What types of workplace injuries are most common for fast food workers? According to BLS, fast food employees cite the following injuries with more frequency than restaurant employees in other types of food services establishments:
- Thermal burns;
- Bruises and contusions;
- Bon fractures;
- Cuts and lacerations;
- Puncture injuries;
- Sprains and strains; and
- Muscle tears.
Burns, in particular, happen four times as often in fast food jobs when compared with other types of restaurants. Whether you sustained a burn or another type of injury while working at a fast food restaurant, you should know that you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Since nearly all fast food establishments employ at least four workers, they must have workers’ compensation coverage under Florida law, and you could be eligible to receive compensation for your medical care and lost wages.
Contact a Sunrise Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you were injured while working at a fast food restaurant in South Florida, you should get in touch with an experienced Sunrise workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. today to begin seeking compensation for your workplace injuries. Our firm is here to help you.
Sources:
merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast-food#:~:text=%3A%20of%2C%20relating%20to%2C%20or,be%20prepared%20and%20served%20quickly
merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast-casual
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/Chapter440
