by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: December 30, 2008

There can be little doubt that the vast majority of accidents which occur in the home do so in the kitchen. They can range from slipping on something spilled on the floor to scalds or burns from hot liquids or pans and can be extremely serious in nature. Focusing upon and addressing the most common causes of such accidents can significantly improve the odds in our favour against them occurring and free us up to consider safety elsewhere in the home - such as that carelessly abandoned dog chew or child's toy on the staircase!

Below are some tips and advice therefore for practicing safety in the kitchen of your home.

1) Keep the kitchen tidy at all times. Clutter alone can lead to accidents. Something containing hot liquid can be knocked over, hidden dangers can be missed; there are any number of accidents which can occur if you neglect to put things away when you are finished with them and tidy up as you go along.

2) Be careful of hot pans on the stove. Never leave handles facing outwards where a careless elbow can knock against them and spill the contents. Watch that pans are not boiling dry or that fat in them is not over-heating. Be careful of handles on certain types of cooking pots or pans growing hot and use protective gloves where appropriate. Ensure that we turn the gas or electricity off when we are finished cooking and don't leave it on and ultimately unattended.

3) Mop up any spills immediately after they occur. Whether it be simple cold water spilled on the floor or hot sauce spilled over the work-top, stop what you are doing and clean it up. Even if it seemingly poses no immediate danger - do it!

4) Be very careful when using electrical appliances in the kitchen. Ensure that the cable is not frayed in any way and is not over-stretched or leading across an area where it may be inadvertently pulled. Keep appliances which are plugged in well clear of such as sinks or where liquids may otherwise be spilled upon them. Remember again to turn them off, unplug them and put them away as soon as you are finished using them.

5) Knives and sharp objects are another cause of many kitchen accidents. Remember to always cut or chop on a hard, stable surface. Grip the knife properly and always cut or scrape in a direction away from your body. Do not allow yourself to be distracted when using sharp implements.

6) Fire is of course a very real danger in the kitchen. Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher and preferably a fire blanket as well close at hand. Carbon dioxide

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