Tips for work safety in professional kitchens
Work safety should be the priority number one in every professional and commercial kitchen. By implementing safety in a correct way, the risks are minimized and working is enabled in the most productive way. This is why we have gathered some tips to re-insure the work safety in a professional kitchen.
Safety instructions
In every professional kitchen, it is very important to have clear safety instructions. These should be displayed in a clear way in a suitable place. Furthermore, these instructions should also contain up-to-date safety datasheets for every chemical used in the kitchen. With Kiilto’s HygiNet® digital tool you are able to maintain and store all mandatory documents in one place and easily accessible by all staff.
Protective equipment
Protective equipment should be worn whenever necessary. Gloves are a necessity whenever handling hot dishes or pans, to avoid injuries. Likewise, it is very important to choose suitable gear when cleaning. Proper protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection, will help to avoid exposure to undiluted chemicals and prevent chemical-related hazards. When utilizing kitchen machines such as the dishwasher, it is recommended to wear hearing protection as well. One option to increase work safety is to minimize the handling of liquid chemicals. By choosing solid cleaning agents such as Kiilto MD Block , spillages can be avoided.
Hygiene
Hygiene, as one of the most important safety factors in a professional kitchen, is also the first impression for the visitor, coming from the cleanliness of the dishes.
Hand hygiene is another important part of working in a kitchen. Regular hand washing is critical concerning food safety, but it also reduces your staff's risk of various diseases. The best method is to use both hand soap and hand sanitizer to help eliminate any possible chance of cross-contamination.
Ergonomics in work
Attention must be paid to ergonomics in the kitchen, as it can reduce the amount of injuries, discomfort and fatigue in the kitchen. Moreover, the design of the kitchen should have an ergonomic perspective so that when an employee is standing in one spot and doing all of the work tasks with minimal bending, reaching, walking or turning, good ergonomics are achieved.
Clutter-free workspace
You do not only want your kitchen to be clean, you need it to be functional as well. Maintaining organized and clutter-free workspace encourages productivity and affects positively the overall efficiency. It will also help to avoid potential accidents. It is necessary to make sure that walkways in the kitchen are clear and surfaces are clutter-free. Empty boxes and containers should be removed as soon as possible, and you should try to organize the workflow to space staff evenly throughout the kitchen.
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