So, your teen got a serving job: 5 tips to keep them safe

Your child’s first job is exciting! They’re out of the house, meeting new people, making their own money, and forging a path to independence. It’s a pivotal time for both of you — one that shouldn’t be marred by a workplace incident or injury. 

Here are five tips to keep your kid safe from common hazards at their new serving job. 

1. Know the common hazards and risks

Keeping safe often starts with knowing the hazards (aka things that can harm you on the job) and risks associated with the industry you work in. You can better help support your child by having a complete understanding of common hospitality hazards. The top three are: 

1. Slips, trips, and falls
2. Harassment, violence and impairment
3. Repetitive manual tasks that can cause injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs (also known as “musculoskeletal disorders” or MSDs).
   

2. Proper training

Your child should receive proper training for their serving job. If the venue serves alcohol, your child will be required to have a Smart Serve certificate, which is a 4-hour training course on serving alcohol safely in Ontario. The establishment will also be responsible for a policy on the appropriate number of drinks sold to patrons. You can also expect your child to have access to workplace policies, like violence policies or harassment policies. 

Your child is also protected by workers’ rights. They’re entitled to proper safety training and workplace protection policies. 

Their wages are also protected under the Working for Workers Four Act. Employers are prohibited from deducting an employee's wages in cases of customer theft, AKA a dine and dash, and from wage theft, like unpaid trial shifts. The more they know, the better they can advocate for themselves!

3. Footwear and other personal protective equipment (PPE)

As a server, your teen will be running food and drinks throughout the establishment, bussing tables, and generally logging a ton of daily steps. Great for cardio; terrible for knee, hip, back, and pretty much everything pain. They need proper footwear that supports their arch, has a supportive rubber outsole, and a decent insole. 

Beyond footwear, expect rubber mats behind the bar and in the kitchen and dishwashing area. If they prepare food or garnishes for the bar, they should be provided with aprons and gloves when necessary. If your teen isn’t sure if they have the right footwear or PPE, they should ask their supervisor.

4. Violence and harassment in the workplace

Alcohol-related violence and harassment are, unfortunately, a possibility in the hospitality industry. Servers often take the brunt of this violence and harassment. They’re responsible for implementing the establishment’s policies and the law surrounding alcohol consumption and act as the customer’s main point of contact. 

Talk to your child about the importance of reporting any form of harassment or violence promptly. Encourage them to familiarize themselves with the workplace's policies on these issues and know how to reach out to their supervisors or HR department if they encounter any incidents. 

De-escalation skills and situational awareness training can help keep your child safe, too. 

Remind them that their safety and well-being come first and that speaking up against harassment or violence is not only their right but also a vital step in maintaining a secure and respectful work environment for themselves and their colleagues. 

5. Stress management

The hospitality industry can be demanding and fast-paced, leading to stress and burnout, especially for new servers. Help your child find healthy ways to cope with workplace stress, like taking the breaks they’re entitled to.

Encourage them to communicate openly with you and their supervisors about any concerns or overwhelming situations they encounter. Remind them that it's okay to ask for help when needed and that maintaining a work-life balance is vital for their overall well-being.