Burns are a significant occupational hazard across various industries, posing serious risks to workers’ health and safety. Understanding the common workplaces where burns occur can help implement better safety measures and reduce the incidence of such injuries.
Understanding the Three Types of Burns
Workplace burns are classified into three types based on their severity and the depth of skin damage:
First-Degree Burns
These are the mildest, affecting only the outer skin layer (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, mild swelling and pain, often caused by brief contact with hot objects or sunburn. Treatment involves cool compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and moisturising lotions.
Second-Degree Burns
These burns damage the epidermis and the second layer, the dermis, causing redness, swelling, and blisters. Common causes include prolonged exposure to hot objects, severe sunburns, or chemical exposure. Treatment includes keeping the area clean, using cool compresses, and pain management.
Third-Degree Burns
The most severe, these burns penetrate all skin layers and can damage underlying tissues. The burned area may appear white, charred, or leathery and may be numb due to nerve damage. Causes include fire, prolonged exposure to hot liquids, or electrical burns. Immediate medical attention is crucial, with treatment often involving surgery and long-term care.
1. Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
Manufacturing and industrial settings are hotspots for workplace accidents involving burns due to the presence of high-temperature machinery, chemicals, and heavy-duty equipment. Workers in these environments are often exposed to heat, flames, and hazardous substances.
Hot Surfaces and Equipment
Workers frequently handle or are in proximity to hot surfaces and equipment, such as furnaces, welding machines, and molten metal. Incidents can occur during these machines’ operation, maintenance, or a malfunction.
Chemical Burns
Exposure to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, and solvents can cause severe chemical burns, necessitating stringent handling protocols and protective gear. Improper storage or accidental spills of these chemicals can lead to dangerous exposures.
Preventive Measures
Implementing comprehensive training programs on properly handling equipment and chemicals, regular maintenance of machinery, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as heat-resistant gloves, aprons, and face shields can significantly reduce the risk of burns.
2. Construction Sites
Construction sites are another high-risk environment for a burn injury, given the variety of activities involving open flames, hot materials, and electrical hazards.
Welding and Cutting
These tasks involve intense heat and sparks, which can easily cause burns without proper precautions. Workers may suffer from arc burns, thermal burns, and even radiation burns from prolonged exposure.
Hot Tar and Asphalt
Workers paving roads or roofing are exposed to hot tar and asphalt, which can cause serious burns upon contact. The process of laying down these materials involves temperatures high enough to cause immediate and severe burns.
Electrical Hazards
Construction workers are often at risk of electrical burns from faulty wiring, exposed cables, and the use of electrical tools.
Preventive Measures
Ensuring workers wear appropriate PPE, such as flame-resistant clothing, face shields, and welding helmets, is essential. Providing training on safe welding and cutting practices, handling hot materials, and recognising electrical hazards can prevent many injuries.
3. Food Service Industry
The food service industry, including restaurants and catering services, is a common workplace where burn injuries occur frequently.
Hot Liquids and Grease
Spills and splashes from hot liquids and grease are the leading causes of burns in kitchens. Workers can be scalded by boiling water, coffee, soup, or splattering oil from fryers.
Ovens and Stovetops
Employees are at risk when handling or working near ovens, stovetops, grills, and other cooking appliances. Touching hot surfaces or being exposed to open flames can result in severe burns.
Preventive Measures
Implementing kitchen safety protocols, such as using pot holders, ensuring proper handling of hot liquids, and maintaining clear communication among staff, can minimise burn risks.
4. Healthcare Settings
Healthcare professionals are also at risk of burn injuries, primarily due to the use of electrical equipment, hot water, and chemicals.
Sterilisation Equipment
Autoclaves and other sterilisation equipment use high temperatures and steam, posing a burn risk. Handling hot instruments immediately after sterilisation can lead to burns.
Chemical Burns
Handling various chemicals and medications, such as disinfectants and acids, can result in burns if spills or splashes occur. Additionally, radiation burns can occur in areas where radiological procedures are conducted.
Preventive Measures
Regular training on the safe use of sterilisation equipment, proper handling and storage of chemicals, and the use of protective gear can help mitigate these risks.
5. Chemical Plants
Chemical plants are environments where workers are routinely exposed to hazardous materials that can cause severe burns.
Exothermic Reactions
Certain chemical reactions release a significant amount of heat, posing a risk of thermal burns. Workers handling reactive chemicals must be cautious of unexpected heat and pressure build-ups.
Acid and Alkali Burns
Exposure to strong acids or alkalis can cause corrosive burns, which are particularly dangerous due to their ability to penetrate deep into tissues. Even small spills can cause significant injury.
Preventive Measures
Comprehensive training on chemical handling, the use of appropriate PPE, and emergency response protocols are essential in these settings. Proper labelling and storage of chemicals can prevent accidental exposure and subsequent burns. Safety showers and eyewash stations should be readily accessible, and workers should be trained to use them effectively in an emergency.
Contact PK Simpson
Have you experienced occupational injuries? At PK Simpson, we are experts in handling work-related burn injuries. We know how to manage a workers’ compensation claim and help you get the payments you deserve. If you or someone you know has experienced any work-related injuries, contact us today.