Checklist for Maximizing Safety in Your Kitchen

When operating a dining establishment, the first thing you need to be wary of is safety. Safety does not end at customer safety; it also includes the safety of those who work in the kitchen. From cross contamination, to back strains and knife cutting: safety is a huge factor that should be carefully practiced every day. To achieve better safety practices, first, contact our experts to see what coverage is best for you and your business. Next, continue to read about our safety checklist for how you can maximize the procedures going on in your kitchen.

Food Preparation

Food preparation is essential to the health of both your staff and the customers who come in contact with your food. These careful food preparation practices can help prevent foodborne illnesses and keeps bacteria from spreading onto hands, cutting boards, utensils, counter tops, and food.

1. Wash hands frequently.
2. Maintain clean personal hygiene.
3. Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices away from other food.
4. After cutting raw meats, wash cutting board, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water.

Lifting Objects

Back injuries are common in the workplace. Many cases are accredited to poor lifting techniques. Follow these important steps when lifting objects in the kitchen to ensure the safety of yourself, and others around you.

1. Train employees how to lift objects with their legs, not their backs.
2. Employees should not carry any large loads that may obstruct their vision.
3. Use small steps when carrying the object and use your feet to change direction.
4. Holdthe load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls in the workplace can cause severe injuries and in some cases, even death. Be aware of your surroundings and follow these safety tips to keep you and your employees on their feet.

1. Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
2. Establish a floor cleaning schedule.
3. When a spill happens, mark the area with “caution” or “wet floor” signs.
4. Have employees communicate when maneuvering throughout the kitchen.

Cuts, Burns, and Lacerations

The food industry is home to one of the largest groups of injured workers in the U.S. Many of these injuries come in the form of cuts, burns, and lacerations. Keep the band-aids in the first-aid kit by using these safe practices when operating equipment and utensils.

1. Train employees on proper knife handling.
2. Keep knives sharp, handles secure and have blades covered when not in use.
3. Train employees on burn hazards.
4. Ensure potholders are easily accessible.

Kitchen Fires

Restaurant employees are frequently exposed to open flames, hot equipment, electrical connections, cooking oils, cleaning chemicals, and paper products; all of which, can be causes for kitchen fires. With these kinds of potential hazards frequently present, these safety practices are crucial for fire prevention in restaurants.

1. Don’t overload electrical outlets.
2. Check equipment for frayed cords or bent prongs.
3. Don’t leave stoves/other equipment unattended.
4. Wear proper attire, don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

Following basic safety rules can help reduce the chance of food contamination, accidents, and fires. Make sure everyone who uses the kitchen is aware of a safety checklist provided by management and that they are enforced. If you’re interested in getting an insurance policy for your restaurant, contact us. Getting proper coverage for your restaurant can be hard, but while it’s difficult to stand the heat, don’t get out of the kitchen. At H&K Insurance, our agents can help you understand and get the best policies for your business.