The Risks In Kitchens

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            As we know, delicious dishes always leave us feeling good and relaxed. However, not many people know that behind delicious and good-looking dishes, there are various potential risks to cooking. Each year, approximately 18% of people in the U.S will experience accidents in kitchens. There are three main reasons for misfortunate events in the kitchen.

By Vi Nguyen

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      Firstly, knives are equipment that is used mostly in kitchens. However, sharp knives, which are ordered incorrectly or stored poorly, can be a source of unexpected accidents. When used improperly, knives can cause injuries and cuts ranging anywhere from small cuts to serious medical attention. In cooking process, food could be dropped on the floor, and the cook could trip. If knives are not organized, they might lead to terrifying injuries for the cook. Basically, knives are supposed to be efficient friends to help make cooking easier. Unfortunately, knives might become unexpected attackers while cooks are not focused on them, or other members in kitchen will be their victims.

By Vi Nguyen

      Secondly, the kitchen is a thriving habitat for bacteria and other germs. Therefore, cooks must be responsible when it comes to the food they serve. When germs are contained in uncooked food and combined with unclean equipment, it can create disasters for the people who are eating the food, such as: poisoning, sickness, headaches, muscle stiffness, vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, the results could be fatal, or leave the victim suffering through pain. That is why ensuring the people’s safety and well-being remain among the top of priorities for cooks.

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      Lastly, one of the most common things that could go wrong is fire. The results of a fire in the kitchen can be as small as food being burned, or as big as being burned in cook’s body. Even more dangerous, a fire could lead to burn down the whole building, and threat a lot of people’s lives. Fires happen for many reasons, such as wearing a long sleeve shirt which could catch fire while in the cooking process; over cooking food in the oven or on the stove; and kitchen towels and oven mitts also catch fire easily if they are set too close to the oven. A heart breaking accident happened in a kitchen in October 1 2012. Tahmia, who was the victim of a fire accident in a kitchen, was very young. She is African-American. After she blow-dried her hair, she ran to the kitchen while her parents were cooking. Her fluffy hair caught fire and engulfed her entire face immediately.

Kitchens can be a place to bring happiness and bring family members closer to each other, but there are also threats behind the close kitchen and they are waiting for catching you anytime. It can become a place where misfortunate and sudden accidents can destroy a person or even members in a family. Sharp knives, germs, and burning fires are always unpredictable risks in the kitchen. However, cooks still can avoid the risks that might happen to them, their partner, or
their restaurants by paying attention in the kitchen.