Why chefs and kitchen staff are at risk

HSE's catering guidance names slips and trips as the most common cause of injury in kitchens, with burns, cuts, manual handling and dermatitis close behind. The NHS notes that contact dermatitis is often caused by frequent hand washing and contact with irritants, both daily realities in a kitchen. Late finishes, split shifts and a culture of pushing through add fatigue on top. The job does not have to wear people out this fast.

01Burns, scalds and cuts

Hot oil, steam, ovens and pans cause burns and scalds, while knives, slicers and broken glass cause cuts. Rushing and crowded workspaces raise the risk. The NHS advises cooling a burn under cool running water for 20 minutes as early first aid.

What helps

  • Use dry oven cloths, turn pan handles inward and call out when carrying hot items behind someone.
  • Keep knives sharp, cut on a stable board and never try to catch a falling knife.
  • Use guards on slicers and isolate machines before cleaning.
  • Cool burns under cool running water for 20 minutes and get serious burns checked.

02Slips, heat and long hours standing

Wet and greasy floors cause slips. Standing for long shifts on hard floors contributes to foot pain, leg aches and varicose veins, which the NHS links to standing for long periods. Hot kitchens raise the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

What helps

  • Wear slip-resistant, supportive shoes and clean spills immediately.
  • Use anti-fatigue mats at fixed stations and shift your weight or walk when you can.
  • Drink water through service, not only at the end.
  • Elevate your legs for a while after long shifts.

03Dermatitis, stress and sleep

Wet work, detergents and some foods irritate the skin and can cause contact dermatitis. HSE notes that dermatitis is common in catering and is preventable. Late finishes and adrenaline after service make sleep hard to come by.

What helps

  • Wear suitable gloves for washing up and cleaning, and dry hands thoroughly.
  • Moisturise hands regularly with a fragrance-free product.
  • Wind down after service before bed; avoid alcohol as a sleep aid.
  • Eat a proper staff meal rather than picking through the shift.

Weekly checklist for chefs and kitchen staff

  • Check your shoes still have grip and support.
  • Drink water throughout every service.
  • Moisturise hands at each break and at the end of shift.
  • Eat a proper meal before service.
  • Keep at least one full day off in the week.
  • Wind down for 30 minutes before trying to sleep after late service.

When to see a professional

  • Red, cracked, itchy or weeping skin on the hands that does not settle.
  • Burns larger than your palm, on the face, hands or joints, or that blister badly.
  • Leg aches, swelling or bulging veins that bother you.
  • Ongoing poor sleep, low mood or reliance on alcohol to unwind.

Call emergency services for large or deep burns, electrical or chemical burns, or burns with breathing difficulty, and keep cooling the burn while you wait.

Where ONU fits

ONU brings your sleep, activity and recovery trends together, so you can see how late services and long weeks affect your sleep. It does not detect skin conditions or injuries; take those to a professional.

Try ONU Health today

Common questions

What is the right first aid for a kitchen burn?

Cool it under cool running water for 20 minutes, remove jewellery nearby if it is not stuck, and cover it loosely with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing. Do not use ice, butter or creams.

Why do chefs get dermatitis?

Frequent hand washing, wet work, detergents and some foods irritate the skin barrier. Gloves for wet work, drying hands well and moisturising help.

Do compression socks help with long shifts standing?

Some people find them helpful for tired legs. If you have symptoms of varicose veins or other circulation problems, ask a doctor before using them.

Sources and further reading

Educational information drawn from the public-health sources listed on this page. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a guarantee that you will avoid an illness or injury. ONU does not diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a qualified professional about anything that concerns you, and follow the rules of your employer, sport or local health service.