The Most Common Hand Injuries in Restaurants & Food Service
The restaurant and food service industry, known for its fast-paced environment, is not without its share of occupational hazards.
According to data from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the restaurant and food service industry sees a higher number of hand injuries than many other industries.
Statistics indicate that cuts, burns, and ergonomic issues are among the common occupational injuries in this sector, emphasizing the need for proactive safety measures.
In this article, top Detroit area hand surgeon Dr. Uzma Rehman, delves into some of the most common restaurant hand injuries, exploring into their causes, treatment modalities, and prognoses.
Prevalence of Restaurant Hand Injury
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accommodation and food services had one of the highest rates of injuries involving hands and fingers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a report called Occupational Injury among Cooks and Food Service Workers in the Healthcare Sector, which focused on healthcare insights relevant to general restaurants.
That study reported the extremely high incidence rate of hand injuries in this setting was 38.1 per 100 “person-years”. Stated another way, for every 10 years a worker is in the food service industry, they typically experience 3.8 minor or serious hand injuries.
Cuts from knives and other sharp objects were the most common type of hand injury in restaurant workers, followed by burns and punctures.
Hand injuries are a major issue in the restaurant industry, accounting for a significant portion of injuries and lost workdays. Cuts from knives, burns from equipment, and slips/trips are the leading causes of hand injuries. Hand injuries can severely impact workers’ ability to perform their jobs and can have long-term consequences.
Restaurant Knife-Related Hand Lacerations
Cuts or punctures from accidental slips or misjudgments while handling knives during food preparation are the leading cause of hand and finger injuries in the food service industry.
Immediate wound care, stitches if necessary, pain management, and thorough wound cleaning to prevent infections is essential. Chefs, prep cooks, waiters, and other restaurant workers who cut themselves at work should never try to finish their shift, or “tough it out” after suffering a knife cut.
Sadly, many restaurant workers don’t have insurance – which may cause them to delay or avoid seeking medical care. But food services workers should keep in mind that their employer is responsible for their medical care and payments under Michigan law if they are cut or injured at work.
With prompt treatment the prognosis is generally excellent for hand and finger lacerations. Even partially severed finger types can be reattached and severed nerves or muscles can be repaired if immediate medical treatment is obtained from a top Detroit area hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman. Rehabilitation including physical therapy from our certified hand therapists can also help ensure optimal recovery.
Restaurant Burn Injury from Hot Surfaces & Liquids
Hand burn injury from hot surfaces such as hot pans or stoves, or from boiling liquids, is the second most prevalent cause of restaurant injury.
Immediate cold-water immersion (NOT ice), rapid wound care, and, in severe cases, specialized burn treatments can help alleviate pain, preserve the skin, minimize scarring, and prevent infection. Recovery will vary based on burn severity – but early intervention by a burn specialist or top Detroit area hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman offers the best possibility of full recovery.
Restaurant Slip and Fall Finger & Finger Injury
Wet or slippery floors in busy kitchens, dropped food, and rushing around to serve patrons create the perfect storm for slips, trips and falls that can result in fractures, sprains, or dislocations in the hand, finger, arms, and wrist. In fact, hand trauma from falls is the third leading cause of hand and finger injury among food service employees.
In these cases, immediate evaluation, imaging, and treatment is essential. Treatment may involve immobilizing the injured area or other conservative measures – or may require surgery in more severe cases. X-rays are essential for identifying and classifying potential broken bones. Failing to treat a fracture of the finger or hand can result in deformity of the bone that causes serious long-term problems – including loss of function of the finger(s) or hand.
Recovery will depend on the nature, location, and severity of the injury. In most cases, rehabilitation and physical therapy with our certified hand therapists can aid in restoring functionality.
Other Restaurant Hand & Finger Injuries
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) can result from continuous repeated motions, such as chopping or stirring, that puts strain on the tendons, muscle and nerves in the hand, fingers, and wrist. Injuries to the hands and fingers can also be caused by processing machines or other kitchen equipment.
Top Restaurant Injury Hand Doctor | Detroit Area
Exposure to a food-related allergenic substances can also lead to painful skin reactions such as rashes and dermatitis of the hands.
As a top Detroit hand surgeon who has seen thousands of restaurant and food service hand injuries, Dr. Uzma Rehman emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, including proper workplace training, safety protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment. By more completely understanding the common hand injuries resulting from food service accidents, restaurants and their employees can implement strategies to mitigate risks and protect the well-being of employees.
If you or a loved one has suffered a hand injury working in a restaurant or kitchen, swift medical intervention is essential. Whether the injury appears minor or severe, consulting with a top Detroit area hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman will ensure that every step is taken to preserve hand and finger function – and to avoid complications or loss of function or mobility in the future.
Additionally, if a workers’ compensation case may be brought due to your food service hand injury, you will need documentation from a specialist like top hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman in order to collect workers’ comp benefits.
Dr. Rehman will create a specialized treatment plan designed to preserve or restore hand function, relieve pain, alleviate other symptoms, and avoid long term complications, and prevent deformity or loss of mobility.
