Arbill works hard all year to keep you and your employees safe so that everyone can go home to their families at the end of each and every day. It is with this commitment to safety in mind that we want to provide some tips to ensure everyone gets through the Thanksgiving holiday safely.

We urge you to take a few simple precautions to prevent home fires and to be prepared for common health emergencies that may arise this holiday.

1) Burns

It is easy to be burned or scalded when cooking and you should take the proper precautions to protect against these injuries. Avoid wearing baggy clothing that could catch fire. Turn all of the handles of the pots and pans on the stove inward so no one can walk by the stove and accidentally knock over a pot, scalding themselves or someone nearby. It is especially important to keep children away from hot food or liquids as the steam or splash can cause serious burns. If something happens follow this guide to treat a burn.

2) Cooking Fires

According to the U.S. Fire Administration there are more than 4,000 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving each year. That is double the number of home cooking fires on an average day. A common cooking fire is known as a grease fire and happens when cooking oil becomes too hot. To avoid grease or other cooking fires follow the tips below from the NFPA:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children " up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button
  
  

If a fire does happen follow the steps below to put it out.

3) Cuts

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner includes using knives, which can lead to accidental cuts. Before beginning dinner, make sure all your knives are sharp. You need to use more force when using a dull knife, which increases the chances of the blades slipping and cutting you. When chopping vegetables, slice downward and away from your body while keeping your fingers away from the blade. Keep all knives away from counter edges where they might fall and injure someone. Don't try to multitask while cutting. If you're distracted, you're more likely to cut yourself. For more information on cuts click here.

4) Choking

If a loved one is choking and can't breathe or speak, call 911, then give him/her the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver consists of standing behind the choking person, wrapping your arms around him and thrusting your fist upward into the abdomen, just above his belly button. To avoid choking, chew your food thoroughly and don't talk and chew at the same time. 
 

 5) Food Poisoning

One of the biggest reasons your guests could get sick is if you improperly handle raw meat, or undercooked meat comes in contact with vegetables or other food that's already been cooked. If you're cooking in a cramped kitchen, make sure to thoroughly wash your utensils between uses with hot, soapy water, as hot as you can get it. These tips will help protect your guests and avoid food poisoning.

Arbill is always thankful for our employees, customers and suppliers.  This year we are especially thankful that we are safe and that we are in a great position to help keep you safer every day. We know you are thankful for your employees.  Please pass this blog on to your employees so that they can protect their families throughout the holidays and return to the workplace safely.

For more safety information visit our safety resources page.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!