Fast Food Slip and Falls

Restaurants, especially franchised fast food models, are constantly monitored whether it is the OSHA, State Regulating bodies, and of course the various division of the franchisor. So, it is understandable that the idea of additional monitoring would cause a fast food franchisee and their employees to recoil. However, slip and falls have to be addressed on the loss prevention side because once they occur they can take on a life of their own and the effect they can then have on fast food wc premium is great.

The core protection comes in with decreasing slippery surfaces or other floor defects. However, this protection is not a one and done scenario. Once you implement the fast food wc slip and fall protocols to decrease slippery surfaces (i.e. shoe programs, new mats, training on safe cleaning of floors) you have to have some type of monitoring program. One way of monitoring is regular monthly or quarterly audits. The issue with regular audits is that those parts of the protocols which monitor an employee’s adherence to safety controls can be faked just to be able to pass the audit. So, randomizing exactly when these audits occur (monthly but not on the same day or time) can increase the likelihood you are witnessing true compliance.

Another way of monitoring that your fast food wc slip and fall safety protocols are being implemented is to allow for restaurants to self report and include the slip and fall audit with other regularly reported items you may require whether it is sales, inventory or food safety. Of course this trades more frequent reporting for an assurance that the content of the report are accurate. The benefit of the more frequent reporting is that is does keep the issue top of mind with the staff. But you do need to have trustworthy employees for this to have any meaning.

Whatever it is you devise to work for your safety and overall restaurant culture, some level of monitoring, reporting, or auditing of your fast food wc slip and fall safety protocols is warranted in order to protect your bottom line as much as possible.