In the past couple of years food trucks have exploded as a trendy spot to grab lunch or a quick snack. Though there are some similarities to “brick and mortar” restaurants in terms of worker safety, there are many more hazards that mobile locations create which are important to take into consideration when working. Cramped working conditions, hot flames, big vehicles driving around, it seems like a recipe for work injuries.

Food trucks have a small window to make most of their money so the work is often fast paced and accidents can happen. Even though the work may seem pretty straightforward and there are only a handful of employees working in the truck, it is important to take time to train workers on safe preparation and serving techniques. Proper lifting techniques are crucial, as heavy things can be stored awkwardly in such a tight space. Make sure everyone wears the right clothing so that they minimize their risk of slipping or being burned. Proper hand washing and sanitizing stations are key to protecting workers and patrons from foodborne illness. Fires or explosions are also a risk so having the right ventilation system in place, basic fire extinguishing equipment and exit plans are important as well.

They are mobile businesses as well, and that adds a whole new element of risk in the form of traffic accidents. It also makes it harder for inspectors to find the trucks and perform food safety and employee safety inspections so workers run the risk of working in hazardous conditions without inspectors being able to see what really happens on a typical day.

Some cities where food trucks are popular have taken the initiative to create special food truck safety regulations but some have not. It is important to take safety into your own hands to protect your workers and your truck.

Your state may require different kinds of workers’ compensation insurance depending on how many employees the food truck has or if they are part-time. Even if you have few employees and do not think you need insurance, is best to check your state’s laws. When food trucks first burst onto the scene, owners had a difficult time finding insurers who were willing (or able) to cover them since they needed a complex recipe of coverage- from protecting their workers to protecting their truck and inventory to protecting potential customer lawsuits. Now the insurance industry is slowly catching up to the popular industry and their needs.