Kitchen Work Accidents

The catering industry poses a number of potential hazards to employees, none more so than those within the kitchen. Indeed, kitchens can be dangerous at the best of times, and this will be all the more manifest in a busy working environment.

That is why it is so important for employer's to ensure their kitchen staff are adequately protected against the risks they face, as this will help to minimise the chance of an accident occurring. However, if an employer fails to do so and a member of staff suffers an injury, it may be possible for the injured party to make a work accident claim.

Accidents in the kitchen

With pots boiling water, sharp knives, electrical equipment and spillages all commonplace within restaurant kitchens, there are many ways in which an employee could be injured. Some of the most frequent examples include:-

Burns from boiling water or oil;

Slips from spilt food and drink that have no warning sign;

Trips over items that should have been stored away;

Trips over cables, loose tiles or uneven flooring;

Falls when a ladder should have been provided;

Cuts from knives that should have been put away;

Electrical shocks from faulty equipment.

Nevertheless, if the appropriate steps are taken, the majority of these risks can be effectively minimised. It is an employer's responsibility to ensure these steps are carried out, as they have a legal duty of care to protect the health, safety and welfare of their staff while at work. This means an employer must enforce health and safety regulations, as well as introduce a safe system of work, carry out regular risk assessments, implement measures to reduce hazards and employ competent members of staff.

Claiming for a kitchen work accident

However, if an employer fails to meet their duty of care and a kitchen accident does occur, the injured party will be considered a personal injury victim. If this has happened to you, you will be entitled to take legal action against your employer in the form of a work accident claim. If successful, you will be awarded compensation for the pain, suffering, loss of amenity and financial expense sustained as a result of your accident. Even if you are still employed in the same place of work you need not worry, you can make a claim without suffering any repercussions.

Thinking of making a kitchen accident claim?

If you think your kitchen accident occurred as a direct result of another person's negligence, you need to contact a solicitor to discuss your options. After a short consultation, a lawyer who specialises in work accident claims will be able to suggest whether you are eligible to claim compensation.

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