We are personal injury solicitors that claim compensation for kitchen staff injured at work. Catherine Smith claims compensation for relief chefs and full time chefs. She introduces our no win no fee service in this video.

Read more about kitchen accidents below, or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us how a chef can claim compensation for a kitchen accident.

Kitchen Accident Compensation

Commercial kitchens are notoriously stressful, hectic places to work in, and are full of potential hazards. A large number of people are employed in kitchens at hotels, restaurants, pubs, canteens, cafes, catering companies and industrial food production units. The number of locations cooking and serving food has increased dramatically over the past 10 years, and with it the number of major injuries to kitchen workers. For 2009/10 The HSE reported 1,124 major injuries to employees in the hotel and restaurant sector, equivalent to a 45% rise since 2000/01.

The two major types of kitchen accident in 2009/10 were slips and trips, accounting for up to a third of reported injuries, and manual handling accidents which accounted for around a quarter. Contact with harmful substances was the third largest with 10% of the total. Most accidents are essentially caused by the fast-paced nature of the work in kitchens at peak times.

What Causes Accidents In Kitchens?

Typical Injuries From Kitchen Accidents

Slips, trips and falls may cause sprains, strains, cuts, bruises and broken bones. Most often such injuries are sustained in the upper body, particularly the hands and arms, which usually sustain the force of impact. The most serious injuries occur when a person falls onto a hard or sharp object or surface. Slips and trips may also cause breaks to ankles and legs due to the contorted angles these limbs are forced into. Repetitive strain injuries may occur when a kitchen worker regularly chops vegetables for example, causing inflammation and potentially permanent damage to nerves, muscles and tendons in the upper body.

The Benefits Of Using A Firm Of No Win No Fee Solicitors

Kitchen Accident Compensation Claims

Employers must regularly and comprehensively assess working practices to reduce the risk of accidents among kitchen workers. Floors and surfaces must be kept free from potentially dangerous obstacles and obstructions. Kitchen appliances and tools should be suitable for the job in hand, and properly maintained. Workers must be provided with appropriate protective equipment where necessary, such as heavy shoes to prevent slips, and gloves and overalls to prevent burns. Adequate training must be provided with regard to both appliances and equipment in use in the kitchen, such as the handling of knives or the operation of meat cutting machines.

Read Case Study: Kitchen Worker Compensated For Burns From Toaster Grill

Read Case Study: Trainee Chef Compensated For First Degree Burns

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in the field of kitchen accident and injury compensation claims. We work on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case your employer's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees, and if you lose you will not pay a penny.