What does a server do? The duties of servers, table wait staff, hostesses, bus-boys, and other food and hospitality personnel vary according to the workplace.
The duties of servers, table wait staff, hostesses, bus-boys, and other food and hospitality personnel vary according to the workplace. The following is a general summary of duties these people have in common:
duty Greet customers.
duty Take orders and relay them to kitchen and bar staff.
duty Pay attention to customers' special menu and dietary needs or restrictions, when applicable.
duty Carry and serve food or drinks to customers.
duty Determine method of payment, and prepare bills.
duty Work with computers and other electronic devices.
duty Clean up tables or kitchen.
Work environments such as restaurants, hotels and bars, where food and beverages are served, present a unique set of hazards.
The main health and safety issues for servers include:
chemical Exposure to cleaning products and other chemicals.
ergonomic Musculoskeletal injuries from standing for long hours, working in awkward positions, or performing repetitive manual tasks.
ergonomic Lifting or carrying heavy trays or other objects.
general Risks of burns from dishes, meals or drinks that are hot.
physical Noise exposure.
safety Slips, trips and falls.
psychosocial Stress.
general Dealing with difficult or potentially violent customers.
psychosocial Bullying
general Long hours of work or extended work days.
psychosocial Working alone, including working alone with money.
safety Cuts from handling broken glassware.
safety Fire or other emergencies
psychosocial Shift work
biological Exposure to common viruses such as colds and seasonal influenza
Participate in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) education and training. Follow labels and read the safety data sheet (SDS) for any hazardous product you use and follow recommended safety precautions.
requirement Learn safe lifting techniques.
requirement Take breaks.
requirement Establish good hygiene practices.
requirement Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking, or after going to the toilet, and at the beginning and end of the day.
ppe Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and apparel for the task.
requirement Wear shoes with non-skid soles.
requirement Learn how to use equipment and tools safely.
requirement Learn how to deal with workplace stress.
administrative Maintain good housekeeping practices.
requirement Learn how to deal with violent customers and other situations.
administrative Learn and follow the organization’s violence and harassment prevention policy and procedures.
requirement Keep a first-aid kit/box within easy access.
requirement Practice safe lifting techniques.
requirement Follow company safety rules.
administrative Know how to report a hazard and near miss.
administrative Follow good housekeeping procedures.
requirement Work safely with chemicals according to recommended practices.
ppe Select the correct personal protective equipment. Use, maintain and store it according to manufacturer's recommendations.
requirement Keep a mobile phone or other alternative means to contact a designated person when working alone.
requirement Use hand washing to reduce the risks of common infections.
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Diseases, Disorders, Injuries
Notes for this occupation. Open one to read the practices and the protection it calls for.