Each week, CDChoices’ Peer Mentor shares tips on our social media. This week’s #TipTuesday involves workplace safety in the home.

#TipTuesday:  Consumers/DRs:  teach your staff how to stay safe in the kitchen to prevent serious injury.  Even if an employee exhibits confidence about tasks required of them, it’s still a good idea to go over some basic kitchen safety rules to avoid injury.

TOP 10 KITCHEN SAFETY TIPS:

1. Eliminate tripping hazards.
   • Keep children & pets out of the area when cooking/cleaning.
   • Be aware of loose rugs on the floor.
2. Dress properly.
   • Wear sturdy shoes.
   • No flammable clothing.
   • No long, flowy sleeves.
3. Always use potholders/oven mitts (even on items being pulled out of the microwave).
   • Don’t use a wet potholder or oven mitt, as it may transmit heat & burn you.
   • Always take your time when moving hot pots, pans, or dishes.
4. Learn how to use knives & treat them with respect.
   • Cut food slowly when chopping & slicing.
   • Use your non-dominant hand (with fingers curled under) to hold the food.
   • Consider having  a cut-resistant safety glove for your employee to use when cutting/chopping.
5. Handle equipment properly.
   • Never use an appliance that has a frayed cord.
   • Keep small appliances dry & away from water.
   • Never use your fingers to release something caught in food processor blades or mixers.
6. Be aware of surroundings.
   • Make a habit of closing cabinet doors to avoid accidentally walking into them.
7. Clean up spills promptly.
   • Hold a pan you’re spraying with cooking spray over the sink to prevent making the floor slippery.
8. Prevent burns.
   • Stir away from your body (using a slotted spoon) to avoid scooping hot food toward yourself.
   • Use great caution lifting & carrying pots of boiling water from the stove to the sink.
   • Be careful of steam – it can burn just as easily as hot liquid or a hot burner.
   • Be cautious around covered microwaved foods & foods that have been cooked in packets.
   • Use caution around hot stove burners.
   • Always keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove to prevent them from being bumped and then spilling hot food.
9. Don’t leave food unattended.
   • Never leave the house when food is cooking or baking (except for a slow cooker).
10. In case of fire.
    • Have a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it before you need it.
    • Learn about the different types of fires and the most effective way to get them under control.

(Adapted from:  https://woodsinsurance.com/top-kitchen-safety-tips/)

Contact our Peer Mentoring or Benefits Administration department for more info.