Eating better and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into a meal plan is a great goal for every family. Employees may be spending more time in the kitchen because of it. Consider giving your employees some tips on being safe in their kitchen.
Preventing injuries, like cuts, burns, slips, trips and falls and kitchen ergonomics can all be included in your healthy eating communications. By changing simple behaviors in the kitchen, employees can reduce their risk and their families’ risk of injury and reap all the great benefits of healthy eating.
Prevent cuts by:
- Using correct cutting techniques.
- Handling knives and other utensils properly.
- Staying focused on your task in the kitchen: Easy distractions include the phone, children or a pet can distract you.
- Storing knives safely in cutting blocks.
- Properly cleaning up broken glass, making sure to wear proper footwear and using a broom to sweep up.
Prevent burns by:
- Using potholders when handling hot pots, pans and baking dishes.
- Using both hands and oven mitts when taking items out of the stove.
- Turning pot handles inward on the range.
- Using spoons, spatulas, or tongs to remove food from hot liquids or baking pans.
- When lifting a pan lid, lift away from you and do not hold your face over the pan.
Prevent slips, trips and falls by:
- Keeping walkways clear.
- Cleaning up spills immediately.
- Using a ladder or step stool, not a chair, when reaching for items above the refrigerator, stove or placed on high shelves.
Kitchen Ergonomics:
Use ergonomically friendly kitchen items and behaviors to prevent injuries.
- Use sharp knives and shears.
- Use blenders, food processors, electric mixers to reduce repetitive motion injuries.
- Use cooking tools with large, soft handles.
- Sit or stand up straight/ Use good posture.
- Slide, don’t lift heavy pots and pans.
- Use light weight equipment.
- Use a hand grip to open jars and tops.