McDonald’s workers in 19 cities who allegedly suffered severe burns on the job have filed 28 health and safety complaints with OSHA against the company. The workers contend that they face hazards such as hot oil, hot grills and greasy, slippery floors.
They allege that understaffing and pressure to work too fast are the main drivers responsible for the injuries. According to the workers, McDonald’s computer system dictates staffing levels and the pace of work, contributing to the conditions that create a hazardous work environment.
A statement from McDonald’s said the company will review the allegations and that its franchisees “are committed to providing safe working conditions for employees in the 14,000 McDonald’s brand U.S. restaurants.” The company noted that it believes the complaints were filed as part of a “larger strategy orchestrated by activists targeting our brand and designed to generate media coverage.”
Fight for $15, a group that is backed by the Service Employees International Union, publicized the worker complaints and is spearheading the effort to organize fast food workers into a union.
The complaints filed with OSHA claim that many McDonald’s locations lack basic first aid or personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as gloves, aprons, goggles or heat-resistant sleeves – necessary to ensure workers’ safety, and that managers often tell workers to treat burns with condiments like mustard rather than burn cream.