Top Risk Management Practices for Your Restaurant

Running a restaurant safely and effectively is a difficult task. You are constantly juggling the need to keep costs low while also providing a superior experience for your customers. When it comes to managing risk, there are even more things you have to consider. From food safety and employee safety to insurance coverage and customer satisfaction, restaurants face many risks that can be costly if not managed properly.

Fortunately, by taking proactive steps, you can reduce your overall risk level and ensure smooth operations in your business. Let’s take a look at some of the best tips for reducing risk in restaurants so you can focus on creating great experiences for your customers without worrying about potential liabilities or losses.

 

Implement a Food Safety Plan

Restaurants can greatly reduce their risk by implementing a comprehensive and effective food safety plan. This plan should include detailed procedures, guidelines, and protocols for managing food safety risks in the restaurant.

This all starts with proper handwashing techniques, utensil storage, and well-labeled prep areas that help avoid cross-contamination.

 

Invest in Employee Training and Education

Employee training is one of the most important aspects of running a safe and effective restaurant. Properly trained staff are better equipped to identify and prevent risks, and can help ensure that food safety protocols are followed correctly. In addition, employee training helps build a culture of safety in the restaurant, which can lead to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Not sure if you have the time to get your employees trained and up-to-date on the latest practices? No problem! An online food handler’s certification course like Certified On The Fly makes getting your employees trained simple, and with minimal impact on your restaurant’s hectic schedule.

 

Ensure Adequate Insurance Coverage

Having adequate insurance coverage is a crucial part of running a restaurant safely and effectively. It is important to have the right protection in place to protect your business against potential liabilities, losses, and other unforeseen events.

For example, suppose an employee is injured on the job. In that case, workers’ compensation insurance can cover their medical expenses as well as lost wages in the event that they are unable to work for a period of time. Similarly, general liability insurance can cover any legal costs associated with a customer who suffers an injury or illness in your restaurant.

Insurance isn’t just a risk management tool; it provides financial peace of mind and helps ensure that your customers are provided with a safe and enjoyable experience when dining at your establishment.

 

Monitor Your Employees’ Performance Regularly

It is essential to review your restaurant’s staff for performance quality on a regular basis. Regular checks and reviews can help ensure that employees are following food safety protocols and procedures and provide a positive experience for customers.

The frequency of these reviews will depend on the size of your restaurant and the number of employees you have. However, the more transparent you are about the importance of these reviews, the more serious your staff will take them, and the safer your restaurant becomes for visitors.

 

Improve Kitchen Design to Reduce the Risk of Cross Contamination

One key way to improve kitchen design and layout to prevent cross-contamination is to ensure that food items are properly stored and labeled. It is important to store food items separately in designated areas with clear labels that identify the type of food in each area. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination as your staff quickly gets food out to your guests.

 

Make Risk Management Simple with Certified On The Fly

If you’re ready to take risk management by the reins this year, let Certified On The Fly help! Our online course is affordable and makes it easy to get your entire staff up to speed on the latest food safety practices.

Register online today to get your establishment a step ahead in risk-averse practices.

Back to Blog