The pandemic, inflation, supply chain issues and worker shortages have combined to make it harder to get many things done. That may be the reason for a sharp drop in restaurant companies performing workplace hazard assessments recently.
According to a 2022 survey by the insurance company Marsh, 49% of responding restaurant operators said they had not conducted a formal hazard assessment in the past two years. In 2020, only 33% said that.
Formal workplace hazard assessments are critical to reducing the number of worker injuries.
The survey involved 45 restaurant companies, which together represent over 75 brands and over 50,000 locations.
The survey also found that nearly three-quarters of restaurants are considering making permanent changes due to reduced demand for on-premises service – or they had already begun making those changes.
That’s important because changing conditions create new risks. Those risks must be assessed and actions need to be taken to reduce them. Doing so is required by law.
As Marsh emphasizes, however, doing formal hazard assessments is also effective. It does reduce injury rates and that saves money. Moreover, Marsh notes that the number of OSHA inspectors has increased and that will likely mean more in-person inspections.
Workplace hazard assessment is an ongoing requirement
Restaurants, like all employers, need to get on task and perform those mandatory and effective hazard assessments. Not only could it improve their inspection outcomes, but it also could save a life. It’s the right thing to do.
Injured at work? You may be eligible for workers’ compensation
Whether your employer is in compliance with the law makes no difference to your workers’ comp claim. If you:
- are an employee of a company covered by Illinois’ workers’ compensation law (and you probably are)
- were injured at work or have a work-related illness
You are very likely entitled to payment of your medical bills and 2/3 of your lost wages through workers’ comp. However, you must report your injury or illness to your employer and make a workers’ comp claim.
