Abstract
Background:Restaurant sector is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the world and there is evidence that restaurant industry has high levels of work-related diseases and injuries. This study examined the prevalence of self-reported work-related injuries and illness (WRIIs) and their association with demographic variables among restaurant workers in Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 300 randomly selected restaurant workers completed a self-statement, research-made questionnaire regarding the prevalence of self-reported WRIIs, in Shiraz, Iran. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.Results:A high prevalence of work-related injuries (84%) and musculoskeletal disorders (70%) was reported among restaurant workers. Cuts and lacerations, arising from accidents with knives, were the most common injuries seen, followed by burns, falls, slips and trips. Moreover, the prevalence of occupational accidents had a significant association with work experience (p = 0.012), cooking (p < 0.001), as well as preparation and washing (p = 0.011). Age (p < 0.001) and work experience (p < 0.001) had a significance association with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.Conclusion:Preventive measures and polices, through providing occupational health and safety services including trainings, personal protective equipment and health examinations, should be taken as to restaurants and catering industry in Iran.
Highlights
Restaurant sector is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the world
Due to the wide variety of work activities in the preparation, cooking, and distribution of food, restaurant workers are in danger of a wide range of occupational hazards, including falls, slips, burns, high temperatures, long working hours, standing work postures for long hours, walking long distances, and carrying heavy burdens in awkward postures
Carayanni in Greece found that 44.3% of restaurant workers had experienced at least one occupational accident and 56.7% had no idea about the dangers they were exposed to at their workplace [4]
Summary
Restaurant sector is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the world. Restaurants employ a large number of people [1], while their safety and health have been neglected in Iran [2]. Studies show that restaurant workers are exposed to various work-related diseases including occupational cancers, in particular lung cancer [5,6,7], blood and gastrointestinal diseases [8], musculoskeletal disorders [9,10,11,12], in addition to work-related accidents such as grease burns, equipment-based wounds, electrical devices, knives and blades, falls, and slips [13,14,15,16,17]. This study examined the prevalence of self-reported work-related injuries and illness (WRIIs) and their association with demographic variables among restaurant workers in Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, Iran. Results: A high prevalence of work-related injuries (84%) and musculoskeletal disorders (70%) was reported among restaurant workers. Conclusion: Preventive measures and polices, through providing occupational health and safety services including trainings, personal protective equipment and health examinations, should be taken as to restaurants and catering industry in Iran
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