Barista Battle Scars

Besides the obvious effects of working at a job where you're on your feet for eight hours, such as tired feet and legs, and a sore back, there are some other daily ailments that a barista will encounter. Coffee splatter burns, paper cuts, cupboard door finger slams, wet floor slips, bonked heads, and muscle strains are a few the things that happen every now and again.
The next descriptions are two of the current conditions I've been generous enough to share with you. Don't worry, they're not too graphic!

The Espresso Finger

This condition isn't painful, it's just more of an aesthetically unpleasing part of the job. As so many baristas know, the massaging of the espresso in the portafilter leaves this black-brown 'skuz' in the cracks and wrinkles of your finger. It isn't easily removed either. This photo was taken about two days after my shift ended, espresso still ingrained like the hands of a weathered mechanic.

Burns

This is probably the most common thing that can happen, considering all of the hot liquids we deal with. Come to think of it, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more. It's amazing what a splash of 200 degree water or hot steam can do to your epidermis even if it only touches you for one second. This particular picture was taken the day after my skin touched a hot steam wand just after it had been turned off. It doesn't take much to end up with a very sore bubble on your skin. Ouch!

Accidents are inevitable, but if you remember where your hot spots are, painful things like this can be avoided!