Kitchen work is hard and often involves long hours. This can take a considerable toll on your body and mind. One report found that over half of chefs said they suffered from depression, with many turning to alcohol or drugs to cope.
None of this is particularly conducive to a safe working environment. Hence it is no surprise that injuries are common among kitchen staff. Here are some of the more frequent ones.
Cuts
Chefs need their knives to be sharp, and a moment’s inattention by them or someone washing their knives could lead to serious cuts. Kitchens also have machines for cutting, such as meat slicers or liquidizers. These can again cause injury if mishandled or if a person gets distracted while using them.
Burns and scalding
Cooking food requires heat, and commercial kitchens have far more heat than a home kitchen. Their burners are typically bigger and more powerful. It’s not just the open flames that are a risk. So is the heat from pans and plates as well and the contents in them. A spilled pot could send hot liquid far across the kitchen.
Chemical burns are another danger. Kitchens require intense cleaning to meet hygiene standards, and the chemicals often used for this can cause severe harm if proper precautions are not in place or a spill occurs.
Back injuries
Those who work in kitchens often need to carry large sacks or boxes of supplies that are delivered. They may also need to lift heavy pots of food or liquid on and off the burners. Back injuries can occur from one bad lift, or from the wear and tear of years of lifting.
If you are injured while working in a kitchen, knowing how to file a claim for workers’ compensation could be crucial. If you have trouble filing a claim or getting approval, having legal guidance can help.