LOWER ABSENTEEISM IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

How ergonomics can help

The restaurant is fully booked. As of 7:30 pm, every table will be occupied and all the customers are looking forward to a fun and relaxing evening with some good food and wine. To ensure they meet those expectations, the head chef and restaurant manager have made meticulous preparations,  buying fresh produce, carefully preparing the ingredients and sauces, and getting all the staff organised. Everything is ready for a perfect evening. Then, the phone rings. Within the space of five minutes, two key members of kitchen staff call in sick.

6 TIPS

for better working conditions

WORKING HEIGHT IS KEY

The ideal height of a kitchen work surface depends on the height of the people working there. The work surface height for a cook or kitchen assistant who is 5'9" (1.74 m) tall should be approximately 38.5" (98 cm); for an employee who is 5' 1" (1.55 m) tall, a work surface height of 33.5" (85 cm) is sufficient.

HAVE THEIR BACK

As a basic rule of thumb: all built-in electrical appliances that are in frequent use should be positioned at an optimal height to reach. That makes work easier and goes easy on people's backs. Ensure that all kitchen workspaces are properly lit.