Kitchen Safety Tips
Kitchens are where culinary careers are born and killed, so to speak. Steam, oil and grease, hot grills and ovens, sharp knives and objects, exposed wires, and poorly-maintained equipment are just a few of the dangers in commercial kitchens. Kitchen workers who are ill-equipped to deal with the stresses and pressures of the job add to the risks of workplace accidents in these areas, too.
The fast pace of life in a commercial kitchen, especially in a popular restaurant, also contributes to the inherent risks. The workers who are already exhausted and irritated are more likely to take risks either on a conscious or subconscious level (i.e., complacency).
The bottom line: Kitchens contain all the ingredients for a disaster in the workplace. The importance kitchen safety, of proper and regular training of both new and veteran kitchen workers from the head chef to the assistants cannot be overemphasized in light of this fact.
One of the most common yet most serious accidents in the kitchen are burns, which can range from first-degree to third-degree burns on several parts of the body. Many kitchen workers have suffered third-degree burns on their arms, legs and bodies, which effectively killed their careers in the culinary industry.
Burn prevention measures should then be in place in commercial kitchens. Everybody should be aware and trained about these measures so as to significantly reduce the risks for burns in the workplace. Here are a few tips in this regard (the occupational therapy professionals at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Irwindale, can provide more information on this; the Irwindale clinic is near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village).
- Review the present safety measures in the commercial kitchen. Make the necessary improvements and adjustments.
- Wear the appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and mitts as well as non-skid shoes in the kitchen.
- Extinguish grease fires by sliding a lid over its top instead of pouring water over the container.
- Never carry oil containers when the oil is still hot or on fire.
- Handle hot oil and grease with care regardless of the busyness in the kitchen.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when using cooking equipment and electrical appliances.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible.
Ultimately, a 100% safe kitchen cannot be guaranteed despite the best measures. But the risks for kitchen accidents can be significantly reduced so that workers are not unnecessarily exposed to injuries.
Come and visit any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at La Mirada, which accepts patients from Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs, for more information on occupational therapy.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.