Beware The BBQ: Grilling Injuries Up

Banner safety experts offer tips on keeping Fathers’ Day fun injury-free

The number of people grilling, barbequing and smoking meat has never been higher and as more people turn to outdoor cooking and hosting, more people are being injured.

Financial advice website ValuePenguin analyzed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and recently found the number of people treated in emergency departments for grilling-related injuries rose 18 percent over the past 10 years.

“The number of injuries is really not surprising considering how many people grill these days,’’ said Tracey Fejt, Trauma Outreach / Injury Prevention coordinator at Banner Desert Medical Center. “During the pandemic, more people started grilling so they could entertain outdoors.

An estimated 70% of U.S. households now own at least one grill or smoker, according to consumer research from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.

“But really grilling can be very safe. You just need to pay attention and be prepared,’’ Fejt said.

Fire-prevention research shows the leading factors of injury include improperly cleaned grills, leaks or breaks, leaving the grill unattended and having it too close to something that can catch fire.

One of the first steps to safe grilling is to position the grill outside and away from any structures. Avoid areas with overhanging tree branches and set up the grill on a stable, even surface, Fejt said.

It’s also important to set it up in an area away from children and pets. Children under five accounted for most of the grill-related injuries, according to ValuePenguin. Burns typically occur when a child bumps into, touches, or falls on the grill or hot coals.

“We see kids coming in to be treated for all types of burns. It’s so important to watch them around fire,’’ Fejt said.

It’s also critical to perform a grill safety check before the BBQ begins. And also make sure to clean the grill by removing grease or fat build-up from both the grill and the tray below the grill, Fejt said. Clean your charcoal or gas grill after each use and empty the grease tray when it begins to fill up.

Other safety tips include:

• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Never try to move a lit or hot grill and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.
• Wear the right clothing. Loose sleeves, shirt tails and apron strings can catch fire.