Tips from an OT & Certified Hand Therapist
Summer BBQs are a time for great food, family, and fun, but they’re also a peak season for preventable injuries, especially to the hands. As an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), I see firsthand how burns, knife accidents, and other summertime mishaps can lead to painful injuries and long recoveries.
I know the following tips sound like common sense, but read on because food preparation accidents are far too common. The rush to serve guests can set the stage. True scenarios from people who I have treated: a violinist who slashed off the tip of a finger while preparing a fruit salad for a party; a soon-to-be grandmother who amputated fingers using a food processor with a broken guard; an attorney who sustained a tendon laceration when the stem of a wine glass broke during dish washing. None of these people planned for these accidents but the consequences were severe.
Here are simple, effective tips to keep your hands safe, and your summer stress-free.
Be Smart with Sharp Tools
Slicing ribs or prepping veggies? Follow these knife safety tips:
- Use a sharp knife. Dull ones require more force and are more likely to slip.
- Always cut on a stable, non-slip surface, using a cutting board that won’t slide.
- Keep fingers clear of the blade path and avoid distractions while chopping.
- Cut resistant gloves can be helpful in the kitchen, especially if you have issues with hand strength or sensory loss.
- ALWAYS use a food pusher or safety guard when slicing with a mandoline. Pretty please, with sugar on top.
- Remember not to rush when cutting slippery things, like pitting an avocado.
- Finally, store your knives properly. Never toss them into a sink full of soapy water. You may know that you placed them there, but if someone else offers to wash the dishes, do they?
Prevent Burns at the Grill
Barbecue grills get extremely hot, and contact burns are common. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Use long-handled tools to keep hands and arms a safe distance from heat and flame.
- Use caution when handling metal grill baskets or skewers.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves, not just oven mitts, they offer better grip and dexterity. Silicone gloves offer a high heat protection and are textured for better grasp.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting sleeves that could catch fire or brush hot surfaces.
- Always keep a spray bottle of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of flare-ups.
Mind the Grease and Drips
Grease can cause flare-ups that lead to burns or fires. To avoid:
- Trim excess fat from meats to reduce drips.
- Watch for flare-ups when opening the grill lid—open slowly and stand back.
- Clean your grill regularly to prevent buildup of grease or debris.
Create a Safe BBQ Zone
The area around the grill should be safe and secure:
- Keep children and pets away from the grill at all times.
- Don’t grill on uneven surfaces or near flammable items like paper plates or napkins.
- Make sure the grill is fully extinguished and cool before covering or moving.
Know First Aid for Common BBQ Injuries
Despite best efforts, injuries can still happen. Be prepared:
- For minor burns, rinse under cool water immediately. Don’t apply ice directly as this could further injure the skin.
- Clean small cuts with sterile saline spray and cover with a sterile bandage.
- Light compression helps stop bleeding, and non-stick gauze is essential.
- “Dirty” injuries (ie: caused by a knife used for food prep or laceration happening to unwashed hands) need medical attention.
If you lose motion, sensation, or see signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately. When injuries are treated too late, the treatment becomes more complicated.
Go to the emergency room when a burn or laceration occurs. You may need more than an immediate care center can offer.
Don’t Let a Hand Injury Ruin Your Summer
Whether it’s a tendon laceration from a kitchen knife or a deep burn from a hot grill grate, hand injuries can be serious, and they often require months of therapy for full recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered from a hand or upper extremity injury, we’re here to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
Enjoy the sunshine and sizzle—safely.
