Safety

A safe store keeps you and your customers safe. Working safely isn’t hard. All it requires is:

KNOWLEDGE    ATTITUDE    AWARENESS

It is our policy to give you a safe working environment, free of recognized hazards that are likely to cause accidents. Job knowledge is a big factor in reducing the chance of accidents. The store management is responsible for training, ensuring job familiarity, proper use of equipment, and accident prevention.

Our goal to have accident free restaurants requires your help. We will prevent hazardous conditions whenever possible. For your part, you must comply with all safety and work rules in effect at your restaurant. You must report any obvious hazards to your supervisor for immediate correction.

You are to be cautious in performing your job duties to help prevent accidents. When an accident does occur, you must report it to the manager on duty immediately.  The manager on duty and the store manager will fully investigate it within 24 hours of the incident. They will quickly make necessary corrections and report the accident.

Preventing Falls

Falls are a major cause of injuries in the work place. These injuries are also the most severe. To help prevent falls from occurring, you should follow these procedures:

• Salt icy spots immediately and tread carefully
• Keep floor surfaces clean and dry at all times
• Clean up any spills immediately
• Always designate wet floors with a “WET FLOOR” sign
• Dry mop floors after wet mopping to prevent slips
• Keep isles free of stock, displays, brooms, mops, buckets, bread racks, etc
• Never run extension cords across a floor to present a tripping hazard
• Wear shoes with anti-skid soles and materials that resist oils and acids
• The company offers a shoe program called “Shoes for Crews” which provides nine or more selections of non- skid shoes at modest rates paid for through a payroll deduction plan
• These shoes have been rated the safest in the industry
• We strongly encourage you to purchase at least one pair to wear at the work place
• Ask your supervisor how to enroll in this safety program

Preventing Back Injuries

• Always use proper lifting techniques. When you lift, protect your back by letting your legs do the work.
• Stand close to the load, feet firmly on the floor, shoulder width apart, with toes pointed out
• Squat with back straight, knees bent, stomach muscles tight
• Place your hands on diagonally opposite corners of the load so one hand pulls toward you and the other one lifts
• Grip firmly with both hands (not just your fingers) and bring the load close to your body
• Center your weight over your feet and tuck in your arms, elbows, and chin
• Stand up slowly, head and shoulders first, with your back straight. Your legs should push you up slowly and smoothly.
  • When you carry –
    • Be sure you have a good grip and can see where you are going. Keep the load close to your body and no higher than your waist area. Move slowly and take small steps. Don’t twist your body. Twisting causes injuries. Move your feet first when changing directions.
  • When you unload -  
    • Use your legs and protect your back. Face the spot where the load will go. Bend your knees and slowly lower the load to the edge of the surface. Make sure your fingers are not underneath and gently release the load and slide it back.

Preventing Burns

• All safety equipment should be used when filtering shortening. This includes rubber gloves, rubber apron and safety goggles.
• When removing the nozzle or filter rinse hose always place a full-size sheet pan under the nozzle or hose, covering the shortening, to prevent splashing of hot shortening
• Always use shortening caddy to discard shortening
• When transporting the shortening caddy ensure you are always wearing all safety equipment. This includes rubber gloves, rubber apron and safety goggles.
• When grease caddy needs emptying, roll the caddy to the dumpster area.
• Open lid on the black grease container inside the dumpster area
• Ensure the lip of the caddy is over the edge of the grease container before dumping- Failure to do so will cause grease spillage. Once emptied, close lid of container and roll caddy back into the store and place in designated spot.
• Always position the filter pan properly under the drain valve to prevent splashing of hot shortening
• Hold nozzle carefully to avoid excessive splashing of hot shortening or burns could result
• Only connect and disconnect the filter rinse hose when the pump switch is in the OFF position. Failure to do this will result in severe burns from hot shortening spraying from the fittings. Also, use protective gloves to avoid burns.
• When toasting buns, if a bun gets stuck in the toaster, TURN THE BUN TOASTER OFF at the switch. Use a long-handled heat resistant brush to dislodge the stuck bun. Turn the bun toaster back on.

General Safety Measures

• When transporting hot grease, boiling water, etc., you should clear the passageway and prepare a clear level surface on which to place it before lifting the item.
• Long necklaces, large bulky rings, dangling bracelets, large earrings, etc., can snag and cause painful injuries.  We do not permit excessive jewelry due to these safety concerns. Only one ring is allowed to be worn during working hours.
• Never use extension cords to power any equipment. They can be a fire and a tripping hazard.

• NOTE: We do not allow smoking in any food prep, food storage, or paper storage area or any areas designated as a nonsmoking area.  Violation of this rule is subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

• Horseplay or practical joking does not contribute to safe and efficient work conditions.. Management will not tolerate this type of action.
• Before reporting to your workstation, after your breaks, and after returning from the restroom, wash your hands with soap and hot water before handling food products.
• Emergency telephone numbers should be posted close to the phone and you should make yourself aware of their placement and intended use. Hospital Emergency Room, Police, Fire Department, Ambulance, Doctor or Clinic, area supervisor’s number, corporate office, and the store’s address should be listed.
• Take safety seriously It requires your attention and concern. There’s no place for fooling around or goofing off. Stay Alert Keep your mind on what you are doing. Think about your customers and yourself. Pay special attention to the elderly and to children. Never ignore a safety hazard. Fix it or report it. Never assume safety is someone else’s job. Safety is everyone’s job - and especially yours.