Worker burned with hot cooking oil (5 August 2020)
A 35-year-old chef was preparing food in the kitchen of a restaurant when he was burned by hot cooking oil.
Another worker was carrying a 20-litre pot of hot cooking oil through the kitchen when the pot slipped from his hand and doused the worker’s trousers in hot oil.
The worker suffered second degree burns to approximately 20% of his body including his back, buttocks, leg and foot.
The deep fryer and the shelf beneath the grill where the oil from the fryer is stored.
Safety information
You must consider reasonably practicable control measures to manage the risks associated with working with hot oil such as:
- buying a fully enclosed system
- leaving the oil to cool in the fryer overnight before draining
- using barriers to prevent other workers from working or walking near the area
- providing appropriate equipment and PPE
- developing and implementing procedures to safely empty and dispose of the oil
- ensuring workers are provided with appropriate training, instruction, information and supervision about the system of work.
More information
- SafeWork Australia model code of practice ’How to manage work health and safety risks’
- Working with hot oil safety alert (includes video - 3:10 mins view time)