Whether you’re running a café, restaurant, bar, or hotel, keeping your team and patrons safe isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal and ethical obligation. The fast-paced nature of hospitality, combined with hot surfaces, wet floors, and sharp tools, creates a unique environment full of potential hazards.In this blog, we’ll break down the most common workplace health and safety (WHS) risks in hospitality venues, and share practical strategies to create a strong, proactive safety culture.
Why WHS Matters in Hospitality
In hospitality, safety incidents can happen quickly and often without warning. A spilled drink, a busy shift, or an untrained staff member can result in a serious injury or even legal action. The consequences? Lost productivity, staff shortages, worker’s compensation claims, reputational damage, and more.That’s why prioritising WHS isn’t just about compliance. It’s about creating a safe, efficient environment where people can work, and dine, with confidence.Common Safety Risks in Hospitality (and How to Control Them)
Slips, Trips and Falls
The risk: One of the most frequent causes of injury in hospitality, especially in kitchens, bars, and wash-up areas where floors become slippery.Control measures:- Use non-slip mats and floor coatings in high-risk areas.
- Clean up spills immediately and use “Wet Floor” signage.
- Ensure floor drains are working effectively.
- Encourage staff to wear slip-resistant footwear.
Burns and Scalds
The risk: Kitchens are filled with hot pans, boiling water, coffee machines, ovens, and fryers. Burns are one of the most common injuries reported in hospitality workplaces.Control measures:- Train staff in safe handling of hot liquids and equipment.
- Ensure pot handles and hot utensils are stored safely.
- Maintain clear walkways to prevent collisions in the kitchen.
- Provide PPE like oven mitts and long-sleeved uniforms where needed.
Manual Handling and Lifting Injuries
The risk: Lifting crates of drinks, moving stock, carrying trays, and repetitive tasks can all cause back, shoulder, and wrist injuries.Control measures:- Provide manual handling training during staff induction.
- Encourage team lifting for heavier items.
- Store frequently used items at waist height to reduce strain.
- Rotate roles where possible to reduce repetitive strain.
Cuts and Lacerations
The risk: Knives, slicers, broken glass, and sharp equipment are daily tools in hospitality.Control measures:- Keep knives sharp and store them safely in designated areas.
- Train staff on proper knife handling techniques.
- Use protective gloves where necessary.
- Encourage immediate reporting of any broken glass or sharp hazards.
Fatigue and Stress
The risk: Long hours, irregular shifts, and a high-pressure environment can lead to burnout, mistakes, and injury.Control measures:- Encourage staff to take breaks and manage workloads fairly.
- Create a supportive culture where staff feel comfortable speaking up.
- Provide mental health support options or contacts.
- Ensure rosters are rotated fairly to avoid overworking the same people.
Building a Safety Culture in Hospitality
Beyond fixing physical risks, successful hospitality venues create a culture of safety. One where safety is part of the daily conversation, not just an annual checklist item.Here’s how to start building one:Lead by Example
Owners and managers should model safe behaviours, take all hazards seriously, and encourage open conversations about safety.Run Regular Toolbox Talks
Quick, 10-minute safety discussions are great for hospitality teams. Topics can include how to lift properly, what to do during a fire drill, or how to report an incident.Create a Clear Reporting System
Make it easy for staff to report hazards or incidents and show that you take their reports seriously. Use simple forms or verbal reporting backed by swift follow-up.Train Staff Early and Often
Training shouldn’t just happen on day one. Build safety refreshers into your ongoing staff development.WHS Responsibilities for Hospitality Business Owners
Under WHS laws in Australia, you have a duty of care to provide:- A safe working environment for employees and contractors
- Proper training and supervision
- Systems to prevent and manage hazards
- First aid, emergency procedures, and safe equipment
How Excite Safety Can Support You
At Excite Safety, we work with hospitality venues of all sizes, from family-owned cafés to large venues, to make WHS simple and stress-free.We can help you with:- Risk assessments for kitchens, bars, and front of house
- Site-specific WHS plans and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- Fire warden and manual handling training
- First aid compliance checks and refills
- Onsite toolbox talks or tailored WHS coaching
