Kitchen Safety 101: How to Lower the Risk of Kitchen-Related Injuries

How much time do you spend in the kitchen? Unless you eat out frequently, you'll probably spend at least a half-hour in the kitchen each day. Whether you're preparing a snack or cooking a five-course meal, though, you should follow these safety tips to lower your risk of kitchen-related injuries.

Don't Leave Your Stove or Oven Unattended

When using the stove or oven to cook food, don't leave it unattended. Statistics show approximately 480 people die each year from kitchen fires. Kitchen fires can occur from any number of reasons, though one of the leading causes is unattended appliances. You can still cook food using your stove or oven; just remember to keep a close eye on it. If you need to leave the kitchen, ask a family member or roommate to watch your stove or oven until you return.

Keep Knives in a Wooden Block

Not surprisingly, knives are responsible for many kitchen-related injuries. Some people store their knives by hanging them from a wall or ceiling. While it's perfectly fine to store pots and pans this way, you shouldn't attempt to store knives by hanging them from a wall or ceiling. If a knife falls and strikes you, it could cause serious injury. Therefore, it's best to store knives in a wooden block that's designed to hold and secure them in place.

Beware of Slippery Floors

It's not uncommon for oil or other liquids to spill onto kitchen floors. If left unaddressed, spills such as this could lead to a slip-and-fall injury. If you happen to spill a liquid, clean it up in a timely manner. Don't wait until either you or someone else slips and falls; take immediate action to clean the spilled liquid so that it doesn't cause an accident.

Use Potholders

Always use potholders when handling heated pots in your kitchen. If you're removing a pot from the oven or stove, for example, don't attempt to grab it with your bare hands. Pots can get very hot when placed on an oven or stove, with some reaching over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a potholder, however, you can safely handle heated pots without fear of being burned.

Increase Lighting

Don't underestimate the importance of lighting in the kitchen. If your kitchen is poorly lit, safety hazards could go unnoticed. By installing more lighting -- or higher-powered lighting for that matter -- you'll be able to see more clearly, thus lowering your risk of injury.