7 steps to avoid lacerations in a restaurant

Whether you are a skilled chef or new to a restaurant kitchen, having proper knife skills not only makes your job easier, it can also prevent unnecessary injuries, trips to the emergency room and/or days out of work.

There are many factors that can impact your ability to use a knife safely and effectively such as a lack of training, inadequate lighting, an unanchored cutting board, an attempt to catch a falling knife, using the wrong knife for the job or holding the item you're cutting improperly, to name a few.

By following these seven simple steps your employees can protect themselves from lacerations.

Separate Sharps

The most dangerous knife is the knife you cannot see. For that reason it is important to keep knives out of dish tubs or sinks. Create a designated tub for dirty knives in the workplace or have employees who are using the knives personally clean them after use.

Proper Techniques

Before you give the keys to the knives to your staff ensure they are trained on proper knife usage. This includes:

• Cutting away from the body and not toward
• When walking through a busy kitchen with a knife in your hand, always keep the blade pointed down and carry it close to your body
• Always hand a knife by holding the non-sharpened side of the knife and extending the handle to a person
• Never attempt to catch a falling knife. Just let it fall to the floor.

Cutting Gloves

Made from stainless steel, Kevlar or other materials resistant to sharp objects, cutting gloves are a great addition to any kitchen. While these gloves are extremely effective in preventing cuts it is important to remember they are cut resistant, not cut proof- injuries can still occur. When purchasing these gloves make sure you order multiple sizes to ensure each member of your kitchen staff has a properly fitting glove.

Cutting Boards

The utilization of cutting boards prevents objects from slipping while they are being cut. For this reason it is important to make sure all your employees are using cutting boards and that the boards you have are in good working condition.

Sharpen routinely

Perhaps the most common cause of restaurant lacerations is dull and improperly maintained knives. Dull blades not only slip but decrease accuracy and performance. You should have blades sharped at least once to twice a week depending upon usage. When sharpening knives also inspect the handles and if loose tighten. If the handle cannot be tightened the blade should be properly disposed.

Avoid distractions

The operation of a knife is a dangerous job requiring complete concentration. It is important to have a policy in place that instructs employees not to communicate with one another when one is using a knife. While it may sound a bit impractical it will increase efficiency and reduce accidents.

Know your knife

You wouldn't hammer a nail with a screw driver, so don't cut bread with a non-serrated blade. Ensure your employees have proper training on what knife to use for what job. Here are a few pointers...

• Chef's Knife—Great for chopping large or very firm vegetables. Best for: Onions, carrots, potatoes, peppers, celery, meat.
• Serrated Knife—A serrated knife is the most efficient (and safest) way to slice. Best for: Tomatoes, bread, citrus fruits, pies, quiches, pizza.
• Paring Knife—The fine, small blade paring knife is for delicate precision work on all kinds of small food items. Best for: Apricots, plums, berries, apples, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs.

This article is provided courtesy of the LRA Self Insurer's Fund for Workers' Compensation. If you are not a plan participant and interested in more information or a comparison quotes, please call (504) 454-2277 today.