Quantification of the Physical Demands for Servers in Restaurants. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wills, Angela C; Davis, Kermit G; Kotowski, Susan E.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting. Volume 57:Part 1(2013)
• Page Start: 981
• Page End: 984
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: Human engineering -- Congresses; 620.8205
• DOI: 10.1177/1541931213571219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-9312

Abstract

Serving staff are an integral part of restaurant establishments. Although over 2.2 million individuals are employed as wait staff in the US and experience a considerable number of musculoskeletal disorders each year, little is known about their work-related risk factors for MSDs. Using observational methods, a physical activity monitor, and surveys, this study quantified the physical demands experienced by servers over a shift. Twenty wait staff were evaluated for postures used during serving, tray weight, pain symptoms, and perceived workload. Results showed increases (upwards of 60%) in pain throughout their shift, substabtial time spent standing or walking (~75%), and potentially risky arm/wrist postures during serving, even though a majority of servers indicated lighter than normal workloads during the observation period. While further research is needed, this study provides a first glimpse at the physical demands experienced by wait staff.