Restaurants and bars are prime targets for robbery, burglary, theft, murder and other criminal and violent activity – often resulting in injury, harm, and even death to employees and patrons.
It is restaurant industry standard to have established written safety policies, practices, and procedures pertaining to restaurant security and to implement and train these policies, practices, and procedures on a continual and ongoing basis.
Security matters include, but are not limited to: back door security, lighting security, security personnel (bouncers, doormen, etc.), crime prevention training (robbery prevention, response procedures, etc.), physical barriers, and surveillance and alarm systems (how to operate, disable, and engage, etc.).
Restaurants are prime targets for robbery, burglary, theft, and other criminal and violent activity.
In other words, restaurant murder and theft is a problem. OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace; employers who do not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate a recognized safety and security hazard can be cited. OSHA advises, and it is restaurant industry standard, to follow best practices and take preventative measures regarding safety and security.
Sadly, many times the offender comes from within the restaurant itself. A large percentage of armed robberies and theft in restaurants involve current and former restaurant employees and friends. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, approximately 75 percent of employees steal from their workplace; and the National Restaurant Association estimates that employee theft—through either loss of inventory (shrinkage) or loss of cash and merchandise (larceny)—is responsible for 75 percent of inventory shortages found in restaurants (equaling about four percent of total sales). For every dollar stolen, a business needs approximately $20 in sales to recover; employee theft costs restaurants an estimated $3 billion to $6 billion per year.
Over time, employees get comfortable with their jobs and their surroundings, and they become familiar with how things work on a day-to-day basis. Also, over time, management can become lazy and stop following the customary policies and procedures regarding safety, health, and security. Too often, they mistakenly trust the wrong person. This combination of events provides ample opportunity to those employees who are dishonest to access the facility, food product, cash, and merchandise.
Taking the time to make sure a restaurant’s Culture is safe and security policies are established and implemented requires commitment and care – and can make the difference in someone’s career, health, life…or death.
Want to learn more about Restaurant Expert Witness, Howard Cannon, and the expert services we provide? Do you have a personal injury case that occurred at a restaurant or bar? Want to know more about Restaurant Risk Assessment? The highly sought after expertise of Restaurant Expert Witness could be the factor that secures a victory in your case.
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