Along with the long hours and occasional tips, the life of a barista demands a lot of hard work. As you're working in a busy and closed space with your other colleagues working close beside you, you need to make sure you keep your work area safe. Most injuries at work are caused by accidents so they can be prevented if you take extra care and attention. That's why we're serving the best health and safety tips for baristas to help keep you safe at work.
1) Respect the espresso machine
2) Don't rush
3) Stretch your arms and your legs
4) Always be careful with hot liquids - they hurt
5) Tidy up spills
6) Wear the correct footwear
Shoes For Crews' safety tips for baristas:
1) Respect the espresso machine
Modern espresso machines tend to have automatic mechanisms, making them safer and easier to use. However they still need to be respected. The machines release sudden bursts of burning hot liquid and steam so they can be potentially dangerous to you or your co-workers if you don't use them properly.
Never take shortcuts when using the espresso machine, remember your training from when you first started.
2) Don't rush
When sharing the best safety tips for baristas, one of the most important tips is to take your time making the drinks. It's difficult not to rush when you have a growing line of customers at lunch time but rushing the coffee making process can put you at more risk.
Spills and dropping cups are so much easier when you're hurrying to complete a drink order. Customers may want you to be quick but they'll appreciate a well made coffee more.
3) Stretch your arms and your legs
As a barista, you are actively working on your feet for long hours at a time. Although this can help to keep you feeling fitter, standing for long hours can badly impact your back. During quiet times or during your break, take some time to do some stretches and simple exercises. They can help release tension in your muscles and your limbs.
Baristas are vulnerable to repetitive stress injuries which is commonly known in our circles as "barista wrist." As baristas have to carry heavy pitchers and use complex machines, they can strain their arms and especially their wrists. Avoid work-related injuries by taking care of your body.
4) Always be careful with hot liquids - they hurt
After you've started working as a barista for several months, it's normal you'll start getting confident using the coffee grinder and the espresso machines. You can't let yourself get too overconfident. Always pay attention when pouring hot liquids.
Just a small splash of hot coffee on your hand can be painful and spilling an entire cup can give you serious degree burns.
5) Tidy up spills
One of the most common accidents in the workplace is caused by slips, trips and falls. You can avoid these accidents by keeping areas tidy. Working around so much liquid, it's common for milk, water and coffee to splash on the floor. These small messes can caused dangerous accidents if they aren't cleaned up.
If you can't clean up a spill immediately, inform your team mates. If they're aware of the puddle behind them, they will be more careful where they stand or someone else can clean up the spill.
6) Wear the correct footwear
Wearing the right shoes for work can help keep you safe. You might prefer your old faithful black trainers but are they waterproof? Can they keep your feet protected if a cup falls on your foot? Do they have good grip against slippy floor surfaces? Buy shoes that are waterproof and have excellent tread to keep your feet dry and save you from an accidental slip.
Many companies in the food service industry buy Shoes For Crews for their employees to wear because they are a trusted slip-resistant work shoe.
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What do you think about our safety tips for baristas? Do you have any more advice? Tell us in the comments below.