Author: Jack Passarella, Vice President, Safety & Loss Control, The PATH Alliance
Holiday Season Hiring and Safety Tips for Restaurant Owners
As the festive season approaches, restaurant owners enter a crucial phase: seasonal hiring. While bustling with opportunities, this period also brings its own challenges, particularly regarding workplace safety. Here are key insights and strategies to ensure a safe and productive holiday season in your restaurant.
- Comprehensive Screening of Seasonal Hires
Start by conducting meticulous background checks for all candidates, especially those in roles involving significant movement or machinery, like kitchen staff or delivery drivers. Evaluate their employment history, references, and any relevant records. Remember, a thorough hiring process can prevent costly issues later.
- Safety-Centric Onboarding
Make safety the cornerstone of your onboarding process. Utilize experienced team members to provide practical training on all equipment and procedures. Cultivate a culture prioritizing safety over speed or efficiency, ensuring every team member understands its importance.
- Daily Safety Emphasis
After initial training, maintain a daily focus on safe practices. Begin shifts with safety briefings and keep the dialogue open. Consistent reinforcement from leadership ensures safety remains a top priority for everyone.
- Regular Safety Audits
Conduct routine inspections of your restaurant’s environment and equipment. Address any issues immediately, whether it’s a slippery floor, a malfunctioning kitchen appliance, or a crowded aisle. Proactive maintenance is critical to preventing accidents.
- Incident Reporting and Analysis
Document all incidents, no matter how minor they seem. Analyzing these reports can reveal patterns or specific areas needing attention, which could be crucial in preventing more severe accidents.
- Ongoing Policy Reviews
With the holiday rush, losing sight of safety protocols takes a lot of work. Schedule regular reviews with your staff to refresh their knowledge and encourage feedback. This reinforces safety procedures and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among your team.
- Continuous Communication
Leverage emails, text messages, and newsletters to keep safety protocols in your team’s mind. Regular reminders can reinforce the importance of safety in your busy day-to-day operations.
- Celebrating Safety Achievements
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool. Acknowledge and reward individuals and teams who consistently adhere to safety practices. This motivates and publicly affirms your commitment to a safe working environment.
- Collaboration with Insurers
Your insurer or administrator is a valuable resource in minimizing risks. Utilize their expertise to evaluate your operations and implement potential improvements. They often provide access to additional safety resources that could be invaluable.
As a restaurant owner, your priority this holiday season should extend beyond just filling positions. By focusing on thorough hiring processes, continuous safety training, regular audits, and leveraging technology, you can create a safer, more productive environment for your team and patrons. Remember, a safe restaurant is a successful restaurant. Happy Holidays, and stay safe!
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