July 2, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we work across all industries. As the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation, we protect over 70,000 businesses in Texas and their 1.5 million workers, including over 1,600 restaurants. Our team of safety experts works closely across all industries to ensure we provide you with resources to prevent workplace incidents, and that service is more important than ever. Depending on local mandates, many Texas businesses are starting to reopen or are operating at limited capacity, while others with the ability to conduct work from home continue to do so. Businesses, like those in the restaurant industry, cannot operate without employees on-site.

In this article series – Working safely during COVID-19 – we’re providing safety tips for industries with employees working on-site.

Between patrons, coworkers and delivery personnel, restaurant employees can easily be in contact with hundreds of people per day. At a time like this when an illness is spreading quickly, this creates an additional hazard for workers. To minimize the hazard, many restaurants shifted to takeout and curbside pickup options, and as some businesses slowly reopen, others are operating their dining rooms at limited capacity. Clear communication is key to prevention. Restaurants should establish food pickup protocol, train employees and post clear instructions for patrons to follow.

Decrease contact and increase cleaning

It is possible to spread coronavirus germs through the touching of surfaces so it’s important to limit contact and increase cleaning efforts.

• Stagger break times so that employees don’t gather in close proximity.
• Sanitize doors, tables and other common surfaces throughout the day and at closing.
• Make hand sanitizing stations available throughout the restaurant.
• Avoid touching common surfaces such as countertops, and when opening doors, use your elbow, foot or a tissue when possible.
• Consider moving to cashless or online payments only.

Protect yourself

COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person. It’s imperative to take steps to protect yourself, especially after coming into contact with others.

• Keep your distance from others as much as possible.
• If a coworker or patron is showing signs of COVID-19, alert your supervisor.
• Avoid sharing items such as pens when possible but if it’s unavoidable, sanitize them before use.
• Some cities are requiring face masks in places of business. Be sure to follow current local and state guidelines.
• At the end of a shift, clean your uniform and PPE or dispose of items properly.

Plan dine-in set up to maximize protection

In order to better protect employees and patrons from germs, it may be necessary to reconfigure your restaurant set up.

• Space out tables so that they are at least 6 feet apart, or only seat every other table.
• Implement reservation-only dining or set up waiting areas that accommodates social distancing.
• Replace reusable menus with disposable paper menus and discard them after the group leaves.
• Avoid the use of buffets and self-service stations.
• Post signage indicating the face covering requirements for your county or city.
• Eliminate table presets such as condiments and sanitize the table surface between groups.
• Dispose of any single-use materials left on tables after each group.

General preventative measures

Basic hygiene practices are crucial for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

• Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds before eating and drinking.
• If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• When you arrive home, wash your hands, shower and change your clothing as soon as possible.
• Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness.

Please be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is still developing. The details provided here are based on information available at the time of development. For the most up-to-date information regarding the virus and safety precautions, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Current events should not overshadow basic workplace safety. Health and safety are everyone’s responsibility and should be prioritized each and every day. Texas Mutual is committed to this message and helping our policyholders get their employees home safely each day. For more resources for your business, visit our Coronavirus Resources page or contact our safety services support center at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723). For restaurant-specific resources, visit the CDC’s page on considerations for restaurants and bars.