Kitchen Safety: What Should You Consider?

Most of us know that working in a kitchen—whether large or small—is a real tough job. And that is not only due to the long working hours or the rush during peak times, but also to the many hazards that lurk in the kitchen. That is why this article is dedicated to kitchen safety. Our experts at Shoes For Crews summarise what you need to consider.

DGUV occupational accident statistics

How important kitchen safety is for businesses in the hospitality industry is shown by the DGUV statistics (“German Social Accident Insurance”) on occupational accidents from 2022. The figures reflected there not only reveal the relevance of the topic, but also demonstrate that an appropriate prevention strategy should be a top priority for every business.

For example, the study shows that in 2022 alone, the “hospitality/accommodation & food service” sector recorded 25,582 reportable accidents (see p. 30).

Chefs and cooks are particularly affected, with 11,600 accidents. However, the accident figures for kitchen and canteen assistants (9,700 accidents) and waiters and waitresses (7,600) also stand out negatively in the statistics (see p. 35).

To help you develop such a strategy, this article addresses the various risks in a kitchen and outlines possible measures that can be taken to ensure kitchen safety.

The risks in a kitchen

The risks that are crucial to ensuring kitchen safety are as varied as the areas of work in a commercial kitchen itself. Kitchen tasks include not only cooking and baking, but also receiving products, stocking storage areas, cleaning workspaces, serving food and much more.

The most common risks are therefore:

• Slippery floors
• Handling cleaning products
• Heat and burns
• Sharp objects, such as knives or glasses
• Musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged standing and frequent lifting/carrying

Food service businesses must therefore develop an appropriate strategy that covers the different areas of work and associated hazards, thereby ensuring kitchen safety for employees.

Kitchen safety measures

Keeping track of every potential hazard is not always easy, so our experts at Shoes For Crews have summarised the most important measures.

Suitable footwear

As mentioned above, slippery floors are among the greatest risks in the kitchen. They result from the frequent floor cleaning that handling food makes essential, as well as from potential spills of liquids and other substances. It is therefore advisable for all employees to wear slip-resistant footwear.

Shoes, especially for chefs and cooks, should also have a protective toe cap. This can reduce the risks associated with using sharp knives. Such protective toe caps also reduce the risk of crushing injuries caused by heavy objects falling.

Finally, your staff’s footwear should above all be comfortable. The many hours spent standing place considerable strain on muscles and the skeletal system. While comfortable footwear does not directly prevent accidents, it can help prevent or at least reduce occupational illnesses at an early stage.

The Shoes For Crews range meets these criteria and more. If you would like more detailed information, please feel free to contact us at any time. We will be happy to help.

No unnecessary risks when cooking 

Cooking, baking, blanching, deep-frying and grilling—not to mention cutting and peeling—are dangerous activities; everyone knows that. Even so, unnecessary risks can also be avoided here to ensure that kitchen safety is not compromised. 

You should make sure to give your staff the following instructions: 

• Always replace oils in good time, otherwise there is a risk of spontaneous combustion
• Never leave deep fryers, woks and cooking pots unattended
• Lids on cooking utensils must be able to be opened/closed safely
• Always sharpen and handle knives properly
• Always allow fats and oils to cool before disposal
• Use cleaning and disinfecting products correctly 

All this may seem obvious, but these are important protective measures that must be followed.

Staff training

In general, you should invest sufficient time in training your employees adequately and regularly on kitchen safety. Training may seem burdensome to many businesses, but appropriate prevention can prevent many accidents and the additional strain they place on the business and staff. 

The Employers’ Liability Insurance Association for the Food and Hospitality Industry (BGN) offers excellent information materials as well as the relevant training courses. 

We also strongly recommend carefully reading and following the DGUV industry rule 110-003 “Kitchen Operations”, which covers and clearly explains all applicable laws, standards and guidelines relating to safety in kitchen operations.

Kitchen safety: An important topic

As you can see, kitchen safety is highly relevant for every business. This is particularly demonstrated by the statistics and standards mentioned here.

Our experts at Shoes For Crews therefore strongly recommend investing in the development of an appropriate prevention strategy, regular training and safety shoes. This not only protects your business, but above all the health and satisfaction of your staff.