Every industry has its own version of safety equipment, but kitchens perhaps use the most items for the immediate safety of workers. Although other industries have rules in place to prevent accidents, kitchen workers need certain materials to prevent a multitude of possible injuries during the day. From grabbing pans out of the oven to chopping food with sharp knives, kitchen workers need a variety of work safety gear to keep safe during their shifts.

Oven Mitts

Not everyone would consider oven mitts safety gear, but they certainly protect chefs while they’re cooking. Without a good pair of oven mitts, cooks would be subject to potential burns while interacting with the oven. Mitts should be thick, heat resistant, and cover at least half of the forearm to prevent burns on the most vulnerable spots of skin while cooks stick their arms in an oven. These oven mitts should also be replaced often. It’s easy for them to wear and tear quickly because of how frequently they’re used, so any time a rip is noticed or a hole is burned through them, a new pair should be provided.

Non-Slip Shoes

Just like construction workers may be required to wear steel-toed boots, kitchen staff are required to wear non-slip shoes. A kitchen floor can easily be coated with water, oil, or dropped food items that can be a hazard for quickly moving employees. Non-slip shoes provide security for staff members to walk across areas that might be too slippery for people with normal shoes. These can greatly help to prevent slip and fall injuries.

Cut Gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are a must-have for any kitchen staff. To be worn on the opposite hand of the one with the knife, these gloves prevent cooks from accidentally lacerating their hands while they chop foods. This is a must both to protect the staff and to protect the workers and the food they’re working with. If someone is cut while chopping, their blood could contaminate the food and those ingredients would have to be discarded.

Hair Nets

Other safety measures, such as hairnets or hats, are in place for the customers. These items prevent hair from falling into and contaminating the food served. Every kitchen worker is required by FDA rules to wear some kind of hair net or head covering to prevent hairs from falling into food items.

Protective gear is just as important in kitchens as it is in other industries.

Paul Petersen