The food services industry includes businesses that provide short-term accommodation including hotels, motels and camping grounds, as well as food and drink services, such as restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Workplaces in this industry are often fast-paced and physically demanding which can increase the likelihood of injury. Many employees are casual, part-time, young, or have irregular hours and some may have limited English proficiency. These factors can increase their risk of injury and make it harder for them to understand their work health and safety (WHS) rights and responsibilities. Under the WHS laws, PCBUs must manage the risks to workers in this industry.
Common hazards
Examples of common hazards in the accommodation and food services industry
- Hazardous manual tasks: heavy lifting and awkward postures can lead to sprains and strains. Examples include:
- reaching for food, plates, or supplies above shoulder height, below mid-thigh, or far from the body
- repetitive cleaning tasks that involve bending or twisting
- bending over to wash large dishes or scrubbing with force
- repetitive movements such as chopping and cutting food which can cause fatigue
- carrying heavy or hot items such as plates and containers
- moving stock or furniture which requires repetitive, awkward, or heavy lifting
- reaching into chest freezers resulting in awkward postures
- prolonged awkward postures can lead to both physical and mental fatigue.
- cuts and amputations from machinery and sharp tools
- electric shocks during the cleaning or use of electrical appliances
- hearing damage from working in noisy environments
- violence and aggression from public interactions, particularly with customers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- fatigue from long shifts and physically demanding work
- burns from hot surfaces, liquids or chemicals
- slips, trips, and falls in kitchens, bars, and other busy areas including managing the risk of falls.
Learn more about hazardous manual tasks and manual tasks in the food service industry.
Responsibilities and duties
The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WHS Regulations) outline the responsibilities and duties relating to workplace health and safety in Western Australia.
Learn more about your responsibilities and duties in managing the work environment and facilities.