Beyond food safety, there are significant changes to workplace safety and alcohol service regulations. Always stay on top of Workplace Safety and Alcohol Service Key Updates. Restaurant managers must be aware of these updates to protect their employees and maintain compliance.
Workplace Safety: A Growing Focus
States are increasingly focusing on workplace safety, particularly regarding sexual harassment, violence, and heat-related injuries.
- California: Requires minors to complete sexual harassment prevention training and mandates violence prevention training for all employers. The state also has new regulations for heat injury and illness prevention in indoor and outdoor work settings.
- New York: Requires training as part of a written violence prevention program for retail workers.
- OSHA Proposed Rule: OSHA has proposed a new rule for heat injury and illness prevention, which could significantly impact restaurant operations.
Alcohol Service: New Regulations
Alcohol service regulations are also evolving, with changes impacting both on-premise and off-premise sales.
- Age to Serve: States like Indiana have lowered the legal age to sell and serve alcohol in food establishments.
- Alcohol to Go: Several states, including Arizona, California, and Colorado, have updated their “alcohol to go” laws.
- Training Requirements: Some states, like Tennessee, now require alcohol service training programs to include content on the role of alcohol in sexual assault and harassment.
Key Compliance Steps
- Training: Provide comprehensive training on workplace safety, including sexual harassment prevention, violence prevention, and heat safety.
- Policies and Procedures: Develop and implement clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing workplace safety concerns.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of training, incidents, and compliance measures.
- Alcohol Service Training: Ensure your staff is trained on responsible alcohol service, including recognizing signs of intoxication and preventing underage drinking.
- Stay Updated: Regularly review and update your policies and procedures to reflect the latest regulations.
ServSafe Resources
Resources like ServSafe Workplace De-escalation & Active Threat and ServSafe Alcohol can help you meet these requirements.
By prioritizing workplace safety and responsible alcohol service, you can create a safe and compliant environment for your employees and customers.