Health And Safety In The Kitchen

Health and safety in the kitchen is non-negotiable no matter the industry. Keeping staff safe and adhering to food safety standards is of paramount importance, and every business that uses a commercial kitchen should have stringent kitchen health and safety measures and a kitchen risk assessment in place. This includes hospitality venues, such as restaurants and hotels, and public sector organisations, including healthcare and childcare establishments. Even offices with kitchen facilities will need to have some kitchen health and safety provisions in their workplace risk assessment, for example in regards to fire safety or slip hazards.

Commercial kitchens catering for large numbers of people will require an in-depth kitchen risk assessment due to the size and scale of operations increasing the potential for accidents. Working with sharp instruments, hot surfaces, and electric and gas appliances are just some of the risks in a kitchen environment, which can be exacerbated in busy kitchens with lots of people. It goes without saying that food hygiene is also an incredibly serious consideration when looking at health and safety in the kitchen. This guide will delve into the hazards in a kitchen and how they can be prevented by implementing proper kitchen health and safety.

Hazards In The Kitchen

In order to prevent and reduce hazards in the kitchen, the first priority is to identify them. Health and safety in a kitchen is primarily the responsibility of the business owner, but all staff should obviously be made aware of the risks in a kitchen, so they can contribute to maintaining a safe environment where possible. Although the specifics may vary according to the size and type of kitchen, these are some of the most common hazards in a kitchen:

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are some of the more common workplace accidents, even when working from home, but there is a higher chance of them happening in a kitchen. Food, drinks and cooking oils are all par for the course in a kitchen, and any spills could lead to someone falling over and hurting themselves. Ensuring that any mess is cleaned up immediately and that wet floor signs are used can help to reduce these types of risks in a kitchen. 

2. Fire Safety

Every business must practise fire safety and have a fire risk assessment in place. With kitchen health and safety, there are often open flames to contend with, as well as electrical equipment and flammable substances. To reduce fire hazards in the kitchen, any electrical items should be well maintained and safe to use, flammable goods should be stored safely away from sources of heat, and there should be a designated fire marshal on site. Staff should also be trained on safety procedures when cooking.

3. Burns And Scalds 

As with fire risks in a kitchen, the potential for burns and scalds is also increased due to the nature of the working environment. Hot surfaces, boiling water and cooking utensils can all cause burns and scalds. Allowing plenty of space for staff to work can help to reduce these risks, as can ensuring that staff declare when they are moving around with hot pans or food. Even if the burn is relatively minor, it is important that these kinds of accidents are reported under RIDDOR to improve ongoing health and safety in the kitchen. 

4. Sharp Objects 

Knives and other sharp objects are commonplace in any kitchen. Training hospitality staff on how to use knives and other implements safely is one way to reduce the likelihood of cuts and grazes; for example, knives should always be carried with the sharp end pointing downwards. Broken glass is another one of the hazards in a kitchen that could cause serious wounds, so any breakages should be cleared up immediately.

5. Biological Hazards

Bacteria and viruses can be easily spread in the kitchen if surfaces and workstations are not cleaned adequately. It is therefore of the utmost importance that cleaning standards are  maintained. This means cleaning work spaces after food preparation and completing more intense cleaning weekly and monthly. This will help to reduce the risk of bacteria, fungi or viruses from spreading. 

6. Chemicals 

Kitchens must be kept clean in order to manage food safety. However, cleaning products contain hazardous substances that can be dangerous in certain circumstances. Some food preservatives and additives can also pose a threat, as can any pesticides used. To prevent chemical hazards in the kitchen posing any serious threat, a separate COSHH assessment can be completed, which outlines the chemicals found in the kitchen and advises how to safely use them. 

7. Manual Handling

Hazards in the kitchen can arise simply from the environment and the nature of the surroundings. Kitchens are often loud places with people shouting and noise coming from appliances like food processors. They can also be smoky and humid places. Exposure to loud noises may cause hearing problems, such as tinnitus, and having inadequate ventilation may result in respiratory issues. A kitchen risk assessment should allow for staff to take regular breaks from the noise, and the ventilation system should be routinely checked.  

8. Environmental Hazards 

Hazards in the kitchen can arise simply from the environment and the nature of the surroundings. Kitchens are often loud places with people shouting and noise coming from appliances like food processors. They can also be smoky and humid places. Exposure to loud noises may cause hearing problems, such as tinnitus, and having inadequate ventilation may result in respiratory issues. A kitchen risk assessment should allow for staff to take regular breaks from the noise, and the ventilation system should be routinely checked.  

9. Personal Hygiene 

Ensuring that all staff follow hygiene guidelines can greatly contribute to kitchen health and safety. Wearing correct clothing, using hair nets, and regular hand washing are just some of the ways those working in a kitchen can take personal responsibility. Staff should also stay away from work in the event of illness to prevent the spread of infection. Illnesses can be very easily passed on when preparing food, so a kitchen risk assessment should set out what employees are to do if they become sick.

10. Food Safety

Food safety is an extensive area when it comes to health and safety in the kitchen, and the Health And Safety Executive (HSE) has a detailed list regarding food hygiene. Inadequate food hygiene poses a significant threat to those consuming the food, rather than those in a kitchen. Whether it’s in a cafe or a care home, managing food hygiene should be taken very seriously to prevent patrons becoming ill. Ideally, there should be a separate kitchen risk assessment solely for food safety that with clear method statements included. For example, they could detail the temperatures at which to chill certain foods and appropriate lengths of time to store opened packages or food types. 

Kitchen Health And Safety Checklist

These are some of the essential tips for improving health and safety in the kitchen:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and after touching raw ingredients
• Wear a clean apron to prevent contamination
• Cover cuts with waterproof bandages and wear gloves if necessary
• Store raw meats, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelves in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination
• Keep the fridge at or below 4°C and the freezer at -18°C for safe food storage
• Label leftovers with dates and discard promptly
• Avoid leaving cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• Use sharp knives to reduce slippage and apply less pressure
• Always cut on a stable, non-slip cutting board
• Store knives safely, such as in a knife block rather than loose in a drawer.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental tipping or knocking.
• Keep a fire extinguisher within reach and know how to use it properly
• Avoid wearing loose clothing near the stove
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent slips
• Store cleaning products away from food and food preparation areas
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to remove chemical residue in food areas
• Dispose of rubbish regularly to avoid pests and clean bins often
• Unplug appliances when not in use, especially blenders, food processors, and toasters
• Avoid using damaged cords or plugs and replace them as needed
• Do not overload electrical outlets in the kitchen to prevent overheating.
• Use an exhaust fan or open windows when cooking to reduce smoke and steam, and other pollutants
• Clean ventilation hoods and filters regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard
• Educate all kitchen users on safety protocols, including how to handle knives, fire extinguishers, and what to do in case of burns or cuts
• Have a basic first aid kit accessible, and a someone first aid trained on site

Kitchen Risk Assessment

To properly and thoroughly manage the many areas of health and safety in a kitchen, a kitchen risk assessment should be performed periodically by a competent person. As stated above, there may be an individual kitchen risk assessment for different areas and hazards in the kitchen. With any health and safety risk assessment, the standard process is to:

• Identify any hazards
• Evaluate and prioritise the risks and potential for accidents 
• Put control measures in place according to the priority list 
• Make all staff aware of these measures
• Store records and documentation 
• Monitor and review the kitchen risk assessment regularly

Kitchen Health And Safety From Rhino Safety

Using health and safety experts means that every aspect of your kitchen health and safety policy will be managed and maintained to the highest standards. Owing to the large number of hazards in a kitchen, it is essential to reduce the margin for error. Having a detailed kitchen risk assessment helps you to do just that.

We can support you with any element of your kitchen health and safety, from completing a health and safety audit to see where you could do better, to implementing accident investigation procedures that protect your business and your employees. 

We work with hospitality venues, public sector organisations and private leisure groups across the UK, helping to ensure they comply with all health and safety laws. Find out what we can do for you. Contact us today.