Food Processing

WHS Management for Commercial Kitchens

Burns, knife injuries, and slip hazards in high-pressure environments require practical, enforceable WHS controls.

Commercial kitchens in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and catering operations present a concentrated set of workplace hazards in compact, high-pressure environments. Burns from hot oil, steam, ovens, and stovetops are the most frequent serious injury type. Knife injuries during food preparation range from minor lacerations to severed tendons. Wet and greasy floors create constant slip and fall risk. Cleaning chemicals including caustic degreasers and sanitisers cause chemical burns and respiratory irritation. Cooking fumes including oil mist, combustion products, and food allergen aerosols require effective kitchen ventilation. The combination of time pressure, confined working spaces, and multiple simultaneous hazards makes WHS management particularly challenging in commercial kitchen environments.

Key Hazards

Burns from hot oil, steam, ovens, and cooking equipmentKnife lacerations during food preparationSlip and fall injuries on wet and greasy floorsChemical burns from caustic cleaning productsCooking fume and oil mist inhalationManual handling injuries from heavy pots, trays, and deliveries

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Plant operation, work near hot surfaces and flammable atmospheres

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Hazardous ChemicalsPlantManual TasksFallsNoise

SWMS Required

Knife WorkOven OperationCleaning Chemical UseManual Handling Food

Related Sectors

Commercial BakeryMeat ProcessingSeafood Processing

Need Help with Commercial Kitchen WHS?

Our team can help you set up compliant WHS documentation, burn prevention programs, and chemical safety procedures for your commercial kitchen operations.

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