There are many risks and hazards associated with working in a commercial kitchen, whether they involve fire or sharp objects. Over 93,000 non-fatal injuries were reported by restaurant employees in just a year 2019 alone. The cornerstones of any successful restaurant business are kitchen safety and sanitation regulations. Despite higher safety standards and stricter protocols being followed, injuries in commercial kitchens continue to be a problem for business owners.
It is crucial to follow the fundamentals of continuing to work in a commercial kitchen, as well as local health codes and OSHA regulations. To assist you and your staff in preventing accidents and injuries, we’ve listed the most typical dos and don’ts. You’ll be able to avoid accidents at work and save money. The most used equipment in a commercial kitchen is the Henny penny breading table, it’s quite simple to use and very important for a commercial kitchen.
Even though it can be challenging to maintain a fully staffed commercial kitchen, the very last thing individuals want to do is to scare potential employees away. Unfortunately, if workers see your kitchen as a potential accident scene, that’s exactly what might happen.
Is Working In Your Kitchen A Scary Experience?
High shelves, open flames, flammable liquids, confined spaces, swift movements, and a busy environment.
Does Your Commercial Kitchen Sound Like This?
It takes dedication to make a kitchen full of potential dangers safer. Here are a total of 10 safety recommendations to put into practice to create a secure working environment in one’s full-service restaurant business:
1) Demand Appropriate Attire
While you might not require kitchen uniforms, you shouldn’t permit baggy pants either! Clothing should be well-fitting and encompass the same or more skin as is practical. Also essential are shutter shoes with non-slip soles.
2) Provide Your Staff With Proper Communication Training
In busy kitchens, unintentional collisions can occur if your staff members don’t effectively communicate with one another. Often, a simple “behind” is sufficient to avoid a collision. When one or both of the employees are carrying a pot of simmering hot soup or a knife, the risks of a collision increase dramatically.
3) Offer Anti-Slip Mats
Workers frequently move quickly, making slipping on a greasy or wet floor very easy. In all high-traffic areas, provide slip-resistant mats to give them a safer footing. In 2016, 849 workers (across all industries) lost their lives as a consequence of trips, slips, and falls, as reported by experts.
4) Put Equipment Guards In Place
In a hurry, it’s all too simple to overlook proper safety. Equipment guards can stop a persistent injury brought on by that brief distraction.
5) Offer Sufficient Ventilation
For comfort and safety, a kitchen can rapidly become excessively hot and Smokey. The last point individuals want is for a worker to collapse on the flat top from heat exhaustion. Chronic breathing issues can also be brought on or made worse by breathing smoky air the whole day.
6) Pay Attention To The Worries Of Your Staff
After all, they will almost certainly be the first to identify potential threats. Don’t pause for someone to get hurt before fixing a shelf if someone points out a crack in it. When you encourage your employees to report possible dangers, you’ll not only keep them safer but also boost morale and provide them with a reason to stay with you.
7) Quickly Clear Up Spills And Shattered Glass
All spills should be cleaned up right away, wet areas should have marked warning signs, and all staff members should be informed to exercise extra caution where a spill or break has occurred. Only a broom as well as a dustpan should be employed to remove any broken glass or china.
8) Avoid Burns And Lacerations
Maintaining sharp knives, providing cut-resistant protective gear and non-slip chopping boards, and instructing staff in safe-cutting methods are all recommended. The use of high-quality potholders or oven mitts should be encouraged.
9) Keep Electrical Dangers At Bay
Regularly inspect electrical cords for any signs of deterioration. Stop using the appliance if you spot any and wait for the cord to be changed. Additionally, keep electrical devices and cords far away from liquids and avoid leaving cords in the way.
10) Regularly Conduct Fire Safety Drills
The most typical place for fires to start is in the kitchen, whether it be in a home or business. Your staff needs to have faith in their ability to put out a fire. They can gain that confidence by timetabling a graduate assistantships day with your neighbourhood fire prevention officer. Regular fire drills should conduct after they train to ensure that they retain what they learned.
Final Word
Even so, sticking to the fundamentals, abiding by broad principles, and utilizing high-quality commercial kitchen appliances will help readers furthermore the safety requirements in your kitchen. Professional kitchen maintenance necessitates a comprehensive approach.
