How to Keep Your Establishment Safe in the Hospitality Industry
Going out to eat is a huge part of Canadian culture. With amazing restaurants of all types to choose from it’s hard to refrain from treating ourselves to the experience of dining out. Many of us are also employed by the hospitality industry meaning we see all of the work that goes on behind the scenes: food preparation, cooking, serving, etc. It requires a very dedicated and patient work ethic to be involved in the processes of hospitality. What is most important about working behind the scenes in the hospitality industry; however is being prepared. With hundreds, thousands and possibly millions filtering through different establishments on a yearly basis it is crucial to be prepared to handle emergencies, both behind the scenes and front of house.
A Proper First Aid Kit
A stocked first aid kit is needed in every hospitality establishment. First Aid kits are required in all work places and are dependent on the type of work and amount of staff working at an establishment at any given time. If you are unsure of your provincial requirements for your establishment they can be found within any of our blogs below:
– British Columbia Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Alberta Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Saskatchewan Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Manitoba Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Ontario Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Quebec Workplace First Aid Requirements
– New Brunswick Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Newfoundland and Labrador Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Nova Scotia Workplace First Aid Requirements
– Prince Edward Island Workplace First Aid Requirements
There are certain types of items found in specialty Restaurant First Aid Kits, such as our Federal Restaurant/Food Processing Kit – Deluxe which includes blue detectable bandages. Blue detectable bandages are one example of a mandatory item within an adequate first aid kit as these bandages are much more visible than the standard beige colour; making them easier to locate within the kitchen environment and dishes. These bandages also contain a metal insert that is detectable with proper equipment.
Trained Staff
Trained staff is also absolutely mandatory in a hospitality environment because of the voluminous amounts of people permeating through. More people means more chance of an emergency occurring. Emergencies of all types are of a concern to those working in a restaurant, for example: allergies, choking, injuries resulting from falls, fryers or knives, etc. fast paced environments see larger amounts of accidents and require all staff to be prepared for an accident. As of 2015 the First Aid and CPR Guidelines have changed – if you were not aware it would be in your best interest to check out our blog on what you need to know in regards to the updates. Learn more by clicking here.
Automated External Defibrillators
Lastly, Automated External Defibrillators are highly recommended in any establishment as these devices can mean the difference between life and death. There are particular models of AEDs that are recommended especially for workplace environments such as the Philips HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator. This model is extremely easy to use as it has both visual and audio cues, that can guide any user through an emergency situation even if this person has never received actual training. For more information on the Philips HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator click here and/or check out the video below:
If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned above and/or would like to receive a quote for an Automated External Defibrillator please contact the First Aid Canada Team at 1-855-322-4243.