Restaurant Safety Experts Opine on Fall Caused by Dangerous Staircase

Case Overview

This case involves a dangerous staircase at a large chain restaurant. At the time of the incident in question, a customer of the restaurant was attempting to descend the staircase with a tray of food. The staircase, which had recently been coated with polyurethane, was noted by restaurant employees as being very slippery. The staircase did not have any anti-slip strips. The customer slipped and fell down the stairs, suffering a broken arm as well as a torn rotator cuff and minor concussion.

Questions to the Hospitality expert and their responses

Please describe your background as it relates to restaurant safety.

I have over 30 years of experience as a certified food safety professional. I am an internationally recognized National Restaurant Association certified Instructor and Proctor as I currently teach sanitation and safety at the second largest community college in the US and have taught that course for over 10 years. I have previous restaurant safety expert witness experience and have been a Restaurant operations professional and opening team trainer for over 30 years.

What is the normal protocol for dealing with wooden floors in a restaurant?

Wooden floors require special care. Stairs are different than floors. Stairs have an industry standard as to the size of the steps. Restaurant operators must take reasonable care to make sure stairs are safe for guests and staff. Lighting and adhesive strips are utilized, but there is no common industry standard here. The local jurisdiction may set certain requirements and would enforce (local health department) at the local level. Local, county and state laws may have criteria for wooden stairs.

About the expert

This expert has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry. His experience includes positions at convention hotels in Los Angeles and Washington DC, as well as management with restaurant companies in major cities throughout the country. He specializes in restaurant and hotel openings and consulting, as well as restaurant operations including safety and management. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Hospitality Management at a northeast regional college.

E-007804

Specialties:

Hospitality