Guidance on manual handling and maintenance in the catering industry
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published two free information sheets for the catering industry: 'Maintenance priorities in catering'; and 'Manual handling in the catering industry'. 'Maintenance priorities in catering' gives practical advice to those responsible for managing maintenance of equipment and premises in catering businesses. It includes useful tips on accident prevention and recommended periods for inspection of certain types of equipment.
Percy Smith of the HSE's Food sector explained: "Poor standards of maintenance are a major underlying cause of accidents in the catering industry. These accidents can be very costly, both in financial terms as well as in pain and suffering." 'Manual handling in the catering industry' highlights the risks of manual-handling injuries, which account for almost a fifth of all reportable accidents in the catering business. It summarises areas to be covered when carrying out a manual handling risk assessment.
Mr Smith explained: " Most manual-handling injuries entail strains or sprains to the back, although a significant proportion involve arm strains or sprains caused by repetitive operations. This information sheet explains the factors that can increase the risk of injury and suggests practical measures for employers and the self employed to apply to help control and reduce those risks."
NOTE TO EDITORS
1. Both information sheets have been produced through consultation with the Health and Safety in Hospitality Liaison Committee, which consists of representatives from HSE, local authorities (who have enforcement responsibility for health and safety on catering premises), and catering and hospitality associations and trade unions.
2. The five main types of accident categories caused by poor maintenance are slips, exposure to hot or harmful substances, electrical injury, fire and explosion and machinery accidents.
Copies of 'Maintenance priorities in catering', CAIS 12 and 'Manual handling in the catering industry', CAIS 13, can be ordered online at http://www.hsebooks.co.uk or are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6FS, Tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995).
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES: Call HSE's InfoLine, tel: 08701-545500 or write to: HSE Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ.
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