Kitchens can be hot places to work, especially in summer. A lack of ventilation and not drinking enough water can increase the risk of fatigue which can make mistakes leading to accidents more likely.
Fortunately, if you suffer an accident while working in a kitchen, you should be able to claim against your employer’s workers’ compensation. Nevertheless, being aware of the most prominent dangers could prevent you from being in that scenario. Here are a few to remember:
Heat
It’s pretty obvious that hot things, such as pans, plates or stoves can injure you. Nevertheless, numerous kitchen workers suffer severe injuries every year due to burning or scalding. And almost every kitchen work suffers some minor ones.
Sharp objects
Knives are not the only sharp things in kitchens. Many machines, such as meat slicers, will also have sharp blades. Great care must be taken during usage and cleaning.
Slippery surfaces
Food or liquid often gets spilled in a kitchen and pressured employees may not feel they have the time to clear it up properly. Yet doing so, and marking off the area until it dries is essential to prevent someone slipping and injuring themselves when they land.
Heavy or awkward items
Kitchens are often tucked away in the basements of establishments and heavy supplies must be moved up or down stairs. Time pressure can add to the complications, as workers might not feel they have time to wait for someone else to assist them with the lift. Even in the kitchen itself, heavy items such as pans of boiling stock need to be lifted and their location may not always permit ideal lifting techniques.
While you may be entitled to workers’ comp if injured it often pays to get help to better your chances of getting the full amount you deserve.