I have an amazing catch reflex - far better than my conscious catch action, in fact. I have caught all sorts of things totally unexpectedly and perfectly, but only if I never think about it.

Not once have I ever tried to catch anything sharp, dangerous, hot or heavy when it falls. My reaction is to step back, get my feet out of the way and let it go. I've not trained myself to do this, my brain just does that.

No amount of oven glove is going to make me try to catch a hot falling pan. I could be wearing a fireproof suit and doing it deliberately for a demonstration and I would have to fight the instinct that I have NOT to try to catch it.

Also... oven mitts... hot water... no. Perfect way to give yourself a severe scald or burn. Oven mitts, especially cotton ones, SHOULD NEVER GET WET. All you've done is caught a hot, wet pan of boiling water/oil badly and hastily and now you are holding the dangerous thing in a wet, boiling hot porous glove that's in contact with your hand and under pressure. Even silicone - you've created a perfect waterproof pocket full of your hand into which to pour hot boiling water that can't escape.

Scrap this nonsense. Make conscious efforts to not drop pans and if you do, just get the fuck away from it.