Kitchen Staff/blue
ERGONOMIC TIPS
TIPS to Prevent High
TIPS to Prevent
This pamphlet contains general information
about tasks that contribute to musculoskeletal
for the Hospitality Industry
Muscle Forces
Repetitive Work
injuries (MSIs) such as sprains and strains. A
musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention
program is the responsibility of the employer.
Muscles produce force to move or hold a
The same muscles are used over and over again in
For further information, see sections 4.47 –
posture. High forces can result in injury.
repetitive work.
4.58 of the Occupational Health & Safety
High forces are required to lift, lower, carry,
Repeated forceful movements – especially in awkward
Regulation and the WCB publications
push, or pull heavy objects, especially in
postures – increase the risk of injury.
“Understanding the Risks of Musculoskeletal
awkward postures. High forces are also required
Injury (MSI): An educational guide for
to hold a posture, especially for long periods.
workers on sprains, strains, and other MSIs”
To reduce your risk of injury,
and “Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI):
PRACTICE THESE TIPS . . .
A guide for employers and joint committees”.
To reduce your risk of injury,
Based on work by BC Research Inc. under
PRACTICE THESE TIPS . . .
• Vary your technique to use different muscles,
such as alternating between left and right
the Workers’ Compensation Board of British
• Put one foot on a step or rail to reduce stress
hands.
Columbia, Grants and Awards WorkSafe
on your back and legs when standing for long
Solutions Grant #97FS-24H
• Vary your activities and pace repetitive tasks.
periods. From time to time, alternate the foot
Take a few minutes to do something that
you have on the rail.
Additional copies may be obtained
uses different muscles.
through:
• Take frequent “micro breaks” or share the
• Take “micro pauses”.
Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C.
work with a co-worker when you are required
Publications and Videos Section
to hold a posture for long periods.
6711 Elmbridge Way
• Wear shoes with enough cushioning to
Richmond BC V7C 4N1
relieve the stress on your knees and back
Micro Pause
Phone (604) 276-3068
when standing for long periods.
Fax (604) 279-7406
• Let muscles rest by
• Use anti-fatigue matting when standing is
pausing for 5 to 10 seconds.
required for long periods to reduce the stress
WCB Prevention Information Line
Preventing Injuries to
• Return to an upright posture and let
on your back and legs.
The WCB Prevention Information Line can
your arms hang loosely by your sides.
answer your questions about workplace health
• Choose tools and appliances carefully.
Kitchen Staff
and safety, worker and employer responsibili-
Select utensils designed to reduce force and
ties, and reporting a workplace incident. The
awkward postures (e.g., tools that have good
Prevention Information Line accepts anony-
grips, knifes that are sharp and designed for
mous calls.
the task being performed).
Phone 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or
call 1 888 621-SAFE (7233) toll-free in B.C.
To report after-hours and weekend incidents
and emergencies, call 604 273-7711 or toll-free
1 866 922-4357.
TIPS to Prevent
To reduce your risk of injury,
What is Ergonomics?
Awkward Postures
PRACTICE THESE TIPS . . .
Many of the ways we work – such as lifting,
Our bodies function best in comfortable
Example of awkward back and neck posture
• Reduce your reach.
reaching, or repeating the same movements –
(neutral) postures. Awkward body postures
• Use the near part of the work surface, grill,
may strain our bodies and lead to injuries.
increase the stress on ligaments and joints. This
or stove.
can lead to fatigue and discomfort, and increase
Ergonomics prevents these types of injuries by
the risk of injury.
• Tilt bins towards you.
fitting the job to the person using proper
equipment and work practices. This results in
Preparing ingredients, cooking, or plating often
• Store frequently used utensils, dishes, and food
the safest way to work and prevents workplace
results in awkward postures for kitchen staff.
between shoulder and hip height, and close to
injuries.
where they are needed.
Awkward postures can happen when you:
The high number of sprains and strains (muscu-
• Position frequently used bulk ingredients close
• Reach above shoulder level
loskeletal injuries — MSIs) in the hospitality
to your work area and at a convenient height
industry concerns employers, workers, and the
• Reach below knee level
(e.g., use a cart).
Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).
• Reach across deep counters
• Use a work surface that is waist level for
Employers must provide equipment and estab-
forceful tasks (e.g., chopping).
• Twist to reach sideways
lish safe work practices to reduce the risks of
• Use a work surface that is elbow height for
sprains and strains (MSI). Employers must also
• Hold objects
finely detailed work (e.g., pastries, candies).
instruct workers in these safe work practices.
Workers must follow employers’ instructions to
protect themselves.
Example of awkward back, neck,
Example of improved
and wrist posture
back and neck posture
Working together, employers and workers can
You may not feel pain or discomfort when in
prevent many sprain and strain type injuries
risky postures, but the potential for injury is still
(MSIs).
present.
• Stand as close to the
front of the work
Risk Factors
Be aware of your posture when you work.
surface as possible.
Many jobs have risks that can lead to sprain and
Your posture depends on:
strain injuries (MSIs). If we are aware of the risk
• Turn your feet to point
factors, we may be able to change how we do our
• The height of the work surface
at your work to prevent
jobs and prevent injuries.
twisting your back.
• Where materials are stored
This pamphlet explains some of the risks of
• Select utensils that have
• Space available in your work area
working in a kitchen, and provides tips on work
a large, rounded grip
practices to prevent injuries.
• How you organize your work area
to allow use of your
• How you position your body
whole hand rather than
Prevention is the best policy.
just your fingers.
• How you hold objects
