• What does a cook do?
• What are some health and safety issues for cooks?
• What are some preventive measures for cooks?
• What are some good general safe work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What does a cook do?

The main duties of cooks in restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities and schools include the following:

• Plan and prepare menus, and determine food portions and quantities needed.
• Pay attention to special dietary needs, if applicable.
• Monitor and order supplies.
• Clean up kitchen or work area.
• Supervise kitchen staff.

What are some health and safety issues for cooks?

Working with food presents its own unique set of potential hazards. Some of the main ones are:

• Handling raw meat and poultry.
• Exposure to cleaning products, pest control products, or other chemicals.
• Working in awkward positions or performing repetitive manual tasks.
• Lifting or carrying heavy trays.
• Risk of accidental radiation leaks from microwave ovens.
• Working in extreme temperatures.
• Working with knives, mincers, and other dangerous tools or equipment.
• Risk of burns or fire from ovens, deep-fat fryers, and steam from pots.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Stress.
• Working alone.

What are some preventive measures for cooks?

• Wash hands frequently.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Know how to work with all equipment and tools required for the job.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety shoes with non-skid soles, and eye protection.
• Know how to report hazards.

What are some good general safe work practices?

• Practice safe lifting techniques.
• Exercise caution when working with knives and other sharp equipment.
• Use, maintain and store personal protective equipment according to manufacturers' recommendations.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.
• Read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for any hazardous product that you use and follow recommended safety precautions.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

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Document last updated on May 28, 2004

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