Burn Injuries in the Kitchen

The kitchen is full of potentially harmful objects, including surfaces and equipment that can get extremely
hot while cooking. Stoves, ovens, toasters, microwaves, and toaster ovens all pose a burn risk to adults
and children alike. Because children are naturally curious and may try to physically interact with hazardous
equipment, they are especially at risk of being injured. Knowing the safety risks of the kitchen and
preventative steps that you can take can help keep everyone safe from kitchen related burns.

Safety Risks

When operating kitchen equipment, always consider the possibility of an accident. Stove tops can get
extremely hot and will burn anyone who touches them or a nearby metal surface. Pots and pans could be
spilled or could be knocked over onto the floor, splashing hot contents. The tops and sides of toasters
and toasted foods can burn a person if not allowed to cool first. Oven racks and the interior metal
can cause severe burns if the door closes on a person’s hand or if someone accidentally grabs a hot
rack or pan without an oven mitt.

Preventative Tips

To keep your kitchen family-friendly and burn free, consider the following safety tips:

• Always keep stove tops covered when not in use. This prevents children from turning on the stove and
  reaching up and burning themselves.
• Keep the handles of pots and pans away from the edge so that a child can not reach them and knock them
  over.
• Consider getting a toaster with a heat resistant coating, or keep the toaster out of the reach of children.
• When opening or closing the oven, tell children to stay back and always make sure that hands are clear.
• Always use oven mitts when putting items in or taking items out of the oven. Hand shaped oven mitts
  are better than square ones because they completely cover your hand and lower arm.
• Unplug kitchen equipment when not in use and store out of reach of young children.

Even with these precautions, sometimes kitchen accidents occur. If your child has been burned in a kitchen
accident outside of your home, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer immediately. Someone may
be liable for the accident and your family may be entitled to compensation for injuries.

Contact Us

To learn more about kitchen related burn injuries and liability, please >contact the experienced
Austin personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. today at 877-948-4842.