Protect your business with these injury prevention tips

While establishing your reputation as the go-to service technician, you've been investing in tools, equipment, and an up-to-date skillset. But what about your most valuable asset — your health? An injury or illness is more than an inconvenience when your service is for sale. With a recent rise in workplace injuries and the fact that restaurant environments are hot spots for burns, cuts, and back injuries, service technicians must consider how their safety and wellness impact their work. Keep delivering outstanding service without sacrificing the long-term health of your body and your business with these injury prevention tips from AllPoints.

Protect your most valuable asset with PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your first defense against common injuries that could take you off the job. Not only is this equipment generally affordable and easy to have on hand, but it's essential for keeping your body (and your business) healthy. However, there is one catch — PPE is only effective if you use it. While it might be tempting to skip a walk back to the truck to grab your eye protection, saving those two minutes is not worth a permanent injury. Here are some key PPE items every restaurant service technician should use:

Gloves: Every tech's safety gear must include gloves for daily exposure to heat, cold, liquids, vapors, chemicals, and sharp objects. Gloves are available in various materials depending on their use, so it's a good idea to have a few types to keep your hands protected regardless of the specific job at hand.

• Cut-resistant gloves: Reinforced with no-cut material like stainless steel thread, slicer gloves are designed to prevent cuts and punctures when handling sharp objects.
• Heat-resistant gloves: Interacting with hot equipment in service environments is inevitable. Protect your hands and forearms during these tasks with heat-resistant gloves, like this 17-inch neoprene option, which withstands temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• All-around protection: You may want protection without compromising functionality. Designed for general use, the Thermodex Powergrab glove is fully coated to protect against soil, dirt, water penetration, and cold, but its knit design still provides mobility with minimum hand fatigue.
• Biohazard protection: Keep a box of nitrile gloves handy and you'll be glad you did. Disposable gloves mean quicker cleanup, but they're invaluable if you are exposed to a potential biohazard.

Eye protection: Working around hot liquids, gas, and potentially flying debris means eye protection is a must. The Fuselage clear safety goggles are impact-resistant and designed to fit comfortably while remaining fog-free. For additional protection, consider adding a full-face shield to your PPE stash.

Aprons: For tough or dangerous jobs, having full-body protection is crucial. The Quicklean apron, for example, offers a barrier from liquids, vapors, and temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Optimize your workflow with ergonomics

The service work environment is physically demanding. Adopting ergonomic habits isn't just about comfort; it's the best way to prevent exertion injuries like back strain. Here are some ergonomic strategies and tools to keep you (and your back) in the field.

Heavy items: To transport heavy appliances and equipment, use dollies and casters. These tools reduce the risk of back strain and increase efficiency. Check out a variety of options here.

Driving ergonomics: Most service professionals spend hours behind the wheel each week. If you take a few minutes to adjust your seat and steering wheel, your neck will thank you. For more tips on how to set up your work truck, visit this guide.

Organized tool storage: Keep your equipment accessible to avoid unnecessary reaching and bending. A well-designed tool bag, like the 39-pocket tool backpack, has padded shoulder straps plus multiple handles for a comfortable way to carry all your gear. For more organization tips, check out this blog post on 5 Organization Tips for Service Technicians.

Stay healthy, stay in business

Taking care of yourself isn't just about avoiding injuries. It's also about keeping you and your business running in peak condition. In addition to preparing your equipment bag with essential PPE and adopting ergonomic practices, make sure to:

Keep hydrated: Field service is an active job, so don't ignore your body's most basic need for water. Keeping a drink within reach is a simple way to keep your mind sharp.

Take regular breaks: Pushing yourself to the limit increases your risk of injury. Even two-minute microbreaks can prevent muscle strains from repetitive movements.

Pack nutritious snacks: While the call of the drive-thru will always be tempting, a stash of nuts, fruit, or protein bars is generally a healthier option.

Add a first aid kit to your vehicle: With a well-stocked first aid kit, you can treat a minor scrape or cut without interrupting your call schedule.

Remember, your body is your most valuable piece of equipment. By taking care of it, you can continue to show up for your clients while building your successful service business.

For more tips for staying safe on the job, check out this post on How Service Techs Play a Role in Restaurant Safety.