Avoid these kitchen hazards

Those of you who know me personally know I like to cook. Preparing a meal in your own kitchen hardly seems dangerous – but statistics show it can be.

I found that out Thursday when I carelessly sliced two fingers with a new cutting tool.

Here, according to safety experts, are the most common causes of those kitchen-related hospital visits and how you can help prevent them.


1. Knives

More than half of all kitchen accidents are caused by knives. It's easier to cut yourself with a dull knife than a sharp one. You need to use more force, and a dull blade is more likely to slip. To protect yourself, sharpen your knifes frequently. You'll know a blade is sharp enough when it can slice through the skin of a tomato with barely any pressure.

2. Holding the fingers on your stabilizing hand straight while slicing

This is dangerous because it exposes your fingertips to the knife. Bend your fingers at the knuckles.

3. Cutting boards that slide on the counter

To prevent this from happening, place a damp paper towel beneath the board.

4. Damp pot holders

These are dangerous because they conduct heat instead of shielding you from it. Always have more than one set of pot holders on hand so there will be dry ones ready for you to grab.

5. Cooking in long, loose sleeves

In a recent five-year period, clothing catching fire during cooking was the most frequent cause of kitchen burns, so be sure to roll up your sleeves or wear short ones.

6. The kitchen hazard you never heard of

Nonstick pans (such as Teflon and Silverstone) can be dangerous in a surprising way. If accidentally left unattended and allowed to boil dry, these pans can get hot enough after 20 minutes to release enough toxic fumes to make your family and pets sick.