For the hospitality industry—especially restaurants, pubs, and cafés—this is an ideal time to take stock, improve practices, and foster a culture where both staff and customers feel protected.
While safety might not always be the most glamorous part of the service industry, it is absolutely essential. Kitchens, bars, and dining areas are full of potential hazards, from sharp knives and hot oil to slippery floors and heavy lifting.
Here's how food and drink businesses can use this global awareness day to improve their standards and support their teams.
1. Review and Update Risk Assessments
Start by conducting a full review of your current health and safety policies. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a great annual reminder to reassess:
Fire safety procedures
Slips, trips and falls
Food hygiene controls
Manual handling
Use of cleaning chemicals
Are risk assessments up to date? Have there been any changes to the layout, equipment, or staffing that require a reassessment? Use the day to double-check compliance with UK legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Food Safety Act 1990.
2. Provide Refresher Training for Staff
Even experienced staff benefit from reminders. Organise short refresher training sessions on key topics:
Knife safety and equipment handling
Safe lifting techniques
Allergen awareness and food hygiene
Mental health and stress management
Make it engaging—consider quizzes, toolbox talks, or even role-playing scenarios. Training on World Day for Safety and Health at Work reinforces your commitment to your team’s wellbeing.
3. Involve Staff in Safety Discussions
Safety isn’t just a top-down directive. Frontline staff often spot issues that management might miss. Use the day to host a team safety meeting:
Ask for feedback on hazards
Invite ideas on improving workflows
Discuss near-miss incidents and how to prevent them
Create an anonymous suggestion box or survey if your team prefers to share concerns more privately. Employees are more likely to follow safety protocols if they feel heard and involved in the process.
4. Check Equipment and Maintenance
Is your equipment in good working order? Faulty or unmaintained tools are a leading cause of accidents in hospitality. On this day, set aside time to:
Inspect gas hobs, fryers, and ovens
Test fire extinguishers and alarms
Service extraction fans and refrigeration units
Review COSHH compliance for cleaning chemicals
A well-maintained kitchen is a safer, more efficient one—and it reduces long-term costs by preventing breakdowns.
5. Raise Awareness on Mental Health
The hospitality industry is fast-paced and often stressful. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an opportunity to promote psychological safety as well as physical. Consider:
Sharing mental health resources (like those from Mind or Hospitality Action)
Promoting open conversations around stress and burnout
Offering quiet spaces or scheduled breaks to support staff wellbeing
The day can be a springboard for ongoing efforts to improve morale, reduce staff turnover, and build a stronger team.
6. Engage Customers in Your Commitment to Safety
Don’t keep your efforts behind the scenes. Share your commitment to safety with your customers:
Post your participation in World Day for Safety and Health at Work on social media
Highlight any improvements or staff training you’ve done
Display your food hygiene rating and safety policies
This transparency builds trust and reassures customers that your venue takes safety seriously.
Final Thoughts
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to take proactive steps that make a real difference. Whether you run a cosy village pub, a bustling city restaurant, or a local café, investing time in health and safety benefits everyone: owners, staff, and guests alike.
By making safety a priority today, you’re building a stronger, more sustainable business for tomorrow.