A kitchen is a place of many potential accidents, but since we frequent it on regular basis, we often forget how dangerous it can be. Accidents can be the result of poor kitchen design and maintenance or errors made while cooking. Whatever the cause, accidents can lead to serious injury. Here are 6 ways on how you can prevent or avoid kitchen accidents.
Keep your kitchen clean. This will prevent kitchen injuries and give you space to work when needed.
- Clean your stove and oven after use. Debris on burners or in the oven can catch fire, especially grease and fat. However, wait until they have cooled; do not wipe a burner while it is still on or hot.
- Clean up spills. Liquids on the floor can cause you to slip and fall. If you can’t clean it up right away, throw a towel onto the spot to remind you to get to it as soon as you can.
Keep counters clear of clutter. Put away dishes and utensils after you are done with them and they have been cleaned. You should always have enough room on your stove and counters to do what you need for cooking. Keeping your stove and counters clear will reduce the chances of things falling.[3]
- This also includes other items, such as cookbooks, homework, and paper. Not only can they get dirty, but they can create a fire hazard if they are too close to the stove.
Sharpen your knives regularly. A dull knife may sound safer, but it is actually more likely to slip and slice you. To prevent this, you should always keep your cutting knives sharp with a sharpening stick or whetstone.
- How often you do this depends on how often you use your knives; the more often you use them, the more often you will have to sharpen them.
Store dangerous objects in a safe location. If you have children in the home, you need to designate a safe area for dangerous kitchen items. A knife block is safer for your children, and you, than storing them in a drawer. Make a habit of returning these items to their safe spot and never leave these items in reach of young children.
- Put heavy equipment on lower shelves. You don’t want to worry about them falling or breaking your shelves.
Keep your glass cookware safe. Don’t move it between temperature extremes, such as from the freezer to the oven. Don’t add liquid after the dish has gotten hot, and if it is cracked or chipped, you should throw it away.
- Clean up any broken glass immediately. Carefully sweep up the larger pieces, then vacuum to the floor to pick up any finer pieces.
- You should also be careful with other breakable cookware, such as ceramic casserole dishes or china plates.
Keep a first aid kit handy. It should include band-aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and aspirin. You never know when you might need it, and it’s always better to be prepared.
- Have this item in an easy-to-reach area, such as a kitchen drawer or cabinet. You don’t want to have to dig for this kit.
- If you have children, make sure that they know where to find the kit and how to use it.
Kitchen accidents can be avoided as long as you know the proper ways you need to do before using your kitchen.
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