According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, fast food workers throughout California are planning a “walk out” in protest of wages, benefits, and workplace safety standards. The labor protest is scheduled for November 9th, with rallies planned at Mcdonald’s locations around the region, including in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, and Sacramento
Workplace safety remains a significant public health concern across many different industries, including in fast food. Alarmingly, fast food employees are injured at higher rates than other food service workers. Here, our Fresno workers’ compensation lawyer explains why so many job-related injuries occur in the fast food industry.
A Disproportionate Share of Food Service Injuries Occur in Fast Food
According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the rate of workplace injuries and illnesses across all private industry sectors is 89.4 per 10,000. On the whole, food services are actually somewhat less dangerous than the average industry. Food service workers are required to miss time on the job for injuries/illnesses approximately 11% less than the average private sector American worker.
However, the BLS data shows that fast food workers are hurt at a higher rate than both other food service workers and American workers as a whole. The injury and illness rate for fast food workers is 107.6 per 10,000—meaning fast food workers are hurt 30% more often than other food industry employees. The most common types of injuries for fast food industry workers include:
- Sprains and strains;
- Cuts/lacerations;
- Fractured and broken bones;
- Bruises and contusions; and
- Burn injuries.
Teen Workers Suffer Many Injuries in the Fast Food Industry
There are a number of different reasons why workplace injuries may occur at a higher rate in the fast food industry, including the quick pace of service and the lack of proper training. Fast food companies employ a disproportionate number of teenage workers. Without adequate training and supervision, a teenage employee is at a heightened risk of being injured in the workplace.
Teen worker injuries are a major problem in fast food. According to data cited by Health Day, 28,000 teenagers seek emergency medical attention each year nationwide because of an injury or illness sustained while working in fast food. Common injuries among teenage fast food workers include severe burn injuries, slip and fall accidents, and toxic chemical exposure.
Call Our Fresno, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Legal Guidance and Legal Support Joseph C. Yrulegui is an experienced California workers’ compensation lawyer with a commitment to providing the highest level of personalized representation to clients. If you or your loved one was hurt on the job while working in the fast food industry, we can help. Reach out to us by phone or connect with us online to schedule your confidential consultation. We represent injured workers in Fresno and all around the surrounding communities, including in Clovis, Sanger, Reedley, and Selma.