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WorkSafeBC

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Initiatives for Tourism & Hospitality

If you would like to work with the WorkSafeBC on health and safety issues, or for more information about health and safety initiatives for Tourism & Hospitality, contact WorkSafeBC Hospitality and Small Business Industry Services at .

Hospitality Today Article no. 2 "Preventing Overexertion Injuries"

Preventing Overexertion Injuries
Sprains and strains cause significant workplace loss-time claims
A restaurant cook bends over to lift a heavy pail of fruit salad and strains his back. A housekeeper repeatedly bends over to pick up laundry from the floor and develops chronic lower back pain.

Most overexertion injuries result from handling containers such as boxes, cartons, trays and luggage, as well as moving fixtures and furniture such as beds, tables, and sofas. Common contributing factors include awkward posture, heavy or frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying. From 1992 to 1996, overexertion accidents accounted for 27 percent of all hotel industry claims and 14 percent of all restaurant time-loss claims.

WorkSafeBC is working with hospitality to help develop ongoing processes to prevent these types of injuries:

  • Examine jobs where accidents are occurring
  • Identify risk factors
  • Assess risk to workers
  • Train and supervise safe work practices

Here are some easy tips to help prevent injuries.

  • Store heavy and frequently used items at lower heights
  • Use smaller banquet trays to lighten loads and make trays easier to handle
  • Encourage workers to ask for help when moving heavy furniture
  • Use window-cleaning products that don't streak to reduce the number of wiping motions
  • Add footrests or matting to hostess counters to give relief from prolonged standing
  • Workers who warm up their muscles before shifts can reduce their risks of overexertion injuries.

For more information on how we can work together to address Hospitality's OH&S issues, contact your industry association or Tourism Industry Services at Top of this page