Well, that’s all part of what we are about. Place the third plate over the basis of the thumb and the little finger. It is estimated that one back injury like a strain could cost an … The waiter or waitress only makes it look easy. The basic three plate carry is more a matter of technique than balance. So I just started waitressing a couple of days ago and the only problem I have is carrying the trays through the swinging doors. In reality, they are working hard for their tips. The weight of a fully loaded tray of food can cause you to tilt. 4. Most people spill drinks from time to time. Seize the first plate between the thumb and the forefinger 2. Improper lifting of heavy items is a major cause of injury to retail workers. No seriously, the correct way to hold a tray (at least for beginners) is not to drop it. Tips for carrying trays? Does anyone have any tips for me? Hold a tray close to your body, with one shoulder supporting most of the tray's weight and your arm keeping the tray in … Folding walker trays occupy the front of the walker, making it difficult to use many walker baskets and bags. Avoid leaning when carrying trays and keep your back straight. Improper lifting techniques often result in some form of back injury – something you must avoid at all cost. 3. Your upper back should be as straight as possible while your powerful lower limbs are doing the hard work. If you are just starting to use a tray you shouldn't feel embarrassed about spilling a … However, walker caddies are hybrid devices that provide both a tray top and carrying capacity. I also get scared the door will come back and hit me. The procedure for carrying four plates is as follows: 1. You must bend your wrist so that the tray is on your flat hand; if you support the tray with the tips of fingers, you may hurt yourself. You should look comfortable and confident carrying a tray on the floor. This skill when mastered leads a professional server to traverse the dining room with ease while carrying 3, 4, or even 5 plates. Larger trays filled with plates full of entrees must be carried higher. Best practice is to have your open palm under the center of the tray, and rest a side of the tray on your shoulder. Carrying drink trays can take some practice to perfect, making the task somewhat intimidating for the new waitress. Even if that means using two hands at times - do so. Tested to extremes way beyond what is necessary and you may even say a little over the top. The Single Handed Easy to Use Carry Tray. https://ergonomicsfix.com/ergonomics-for-restaurant-employees-carrying-trays Stationary walker trays fit over the handles of standard walkers, and can be easily lifted off and removed at any time. Once you understand how to carry three plates, the only limits to the number of plates you can carry is your ability to locate balance points. Even when an employee wears a brace or other lift assist device, he still must practice good lifting techniques to be safe. The Tips Tray is your single-handed drinks and serving companion. Adopt a proper back posture – always keep your back straight, your shoulders back, and your look straight ahead. The Tips Tray is your single-handed drinks and serving companion. Carry trays correctly to avoid bending your back in unnatural ways. Place the second plate between the forefinger (on the top) and the two fingers major and ring finger (under). I have sweaty hands and don’t feel confident in holding the trays. A full drink tray, if it were to spill, would be a much larger disaster.