As we cook every day, we often forget that it is a task that is not without danger. As with all things in life, it is important to be aware of what’s going on around us in order to avoid some of these risks and keep ourselves safe. However, of course, if you ever find yourself injured because of a faulty piece of kitchen equipment, for example, contact this Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
Oil droplets
We’ve all had the experience of frying something and being splashed by a tiny droplet of boiling oil – it’s incredibly painful! However, burns are not the only hazard that these little oil droplets bring to our kitchens. There is a study that states the tiny droplets are being inhaled easily and causing damage to the lungs. The issue of indoor air pollution is a big one and kills millions of people worldwide. Ventilation in a kitchen is incredibly important, whether you use an extractor hood or just simply keep the window open.
Fire
Most house fires are started in the kitchen, not just from stovetop flames but also from electrical items. Perhaps there is a fault in the equipment, or it is just not being used properly, or perhaps there has been a catastrophic mix of electricity and water. There is also the risk of grease fires, as grease can be incredibly flammable and dangerous. It’s important to practice fire safety while in the kitchen, as we all know, making sure we don’t leave flames unattended and keep fire safety equipment by the oven. It is also important to check the condition of any electrical items regularly to reduce any risks.
Slips, trips, and falls
A kitchen is a high-risk area for slips, trips, and falls as you are often rushing between counters and may not notice any tripping hazards on the floor. Spills are also a recipe for disaster, as just a few drops of water or food on a linoleum floor can make it a really slippery surface. Falls are dangerous in themselves, but when you also run the risk of falling with a knife, or a pan of hot oil, it becomes even more of a problem. This is why professional cooks are required to wear slip-resistant shoes, but that is not
something many of us are likely to do at home.
Eye injuries
Onions will cause you to cry, but there are plenty more eye-irritants than just those when you’re in the kitchen. Hot oil splattering in your eye can be catastrophic, and touching your face after chopping chillies is also something you must avoid at all costs. Be sure to rinse your eyes with water or a saline solution and seek medical assistance if you need it.
Cooking should be fun, and it is, as long as you take proper safety precautions and are focusing on what
you’re doing. Bon Appetit, and let’s hope for no visits to the emergency room before you get to enjoy your delicious dish.
Image via Pexels – CC0 Licence
This is a collaborative post.
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