KCRW Investigates
Burned: Injuries on the Job
Restaurant kitchens are full of knives, ovens, and pots of boiling water. The federal government reports tens of thousands of workers are injured in the kitchen every year. A cop or a teacher might file a workers comp claim. But often, that's not how it works for dishwashers and cooks, and injuries can go unreported for fear of being fired.
By Karen Foshay • • 3m ListenRestaurant kitchens are full of knives, ovens, and pots of boiling water. The federal government reports tens of thousands of workers are injured in the kitchen every year. A cop or a teacher might file a workers comp claim. But that's not always how it works for dishwashers and cooks. Injuries can go unreported for fear of losing pay or being fired. In part two of Burned: Abuse in LA's Restaurant Industry, reporter Karen Foshay speaks with workers injured on the job and takes a closer look at why systems like Cal/OSHA fail to protect low-wage workers.
Find more features at KCRW.com/investigates.
Audio production for this series by Myke Dodge Weiskopf.
Photo: A restaurant worker displays a photo of an injury. (Karen Foshay)