Did you know that an unsafe commercial kitchen environment can potentially cost business owners millions?
In the environment that is a kitchen, there are many different hazards to think about–from hot liquids and surfaces to slips and falls.
Of course, procedures and precautions should always be taken to promote a safe environment. This is the least expensive long-term option.
Maintaining a safe area is not difficult to implement if it is done correctly and efficiently. Here are five ways to prevent safety hazards in the kitchen for your business or restaurant.
1. Ensure Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is essential to any commercial kitchen. This prevents it from being smokey and hazardous.
Without good ventilation, chefs can become sick from heat-related illness after spending hours in front of the cooker.
2. Correct Work Wear
All employees should wear appropriate kitchen clothing such as chef whites with checkered pants, aprons and hats. Many uniforms are designed to promote kitchen safety.
Footwear is especially important, as many accidents occur because of improper shoes.
Non-slip, closed-toe shoes are essential to prevent falls in an environment with many sharp objects and heat sources. They should also be waterproof and heavy-duty.
3. Fire Prevention
Numerous steps should be taken to prevent fires from happening in a commercial kitchen.
All kitchens should have a fire suppression system. There should also be regular fire evacuation drills for workers to promote safety in the case of an actual fire.
You need to understand how fires could happen and what techniques fit into your business space.
4. Occupational Health and Safety Training
Safety training videos should be required for all new employees. Regular refresher videos should also occur.
Your staff must be trained on how to safely perform their duties. They also need to know what they should do in an emergency. Education is essential for preventing safety hazards in a commercial kitchen.
Staff would not usually be involved in fixing light fittings or adjusting heating and ventilation equipment but if they or a third party does then they’ll require the correct equipment. For larger kitchens or spaces when working at height that might mean using a powered low-level access platform rather than steps or ladders.
5. Prevent Falls with Approved Commercial Kitchen Flooring
Falls are one of the most common injuries that occur in kitchens. There are many different methods for preventing falls, some of which start with employees.
As mentioned, suitable work wear and footwear can guard against falls. But there are also ways a business owner can make the environment safer for everyone.
For example, dedicated commercial kitchen flooring can result in less slippery floors for employees. This, in turn, can make the environment safer and less hazardous.
Floor coatings are helpful and work because of the epoxy resin additive contained within the paint formula. These not only make the floor appear aesthetically pleasing but also promote employee safety.
Ensure the Safest Commercial Kitchen
There are many ways to keep your commercial kitchen safe, from occupational training to steps you can take to lessen the hazards.
Employees should also be required to take certain precautions themselves, such as with their clothing and footwear.
A safe work environment benefits everyone in the long run. Regular training can keep employees sharp on workplace hazards, and workplace drills are also useful.
For more information on epoxy flooring, check out our blog on the five advantages of using it in your commercial kitchen or home.
