Hundreds of thousands of people receive treatment every year across the country for burn injuries. These injuries range from minor to deadly. Victims can suffer burn injuries by being exposed to flames, chemicals, radiation, heat and other sources. Today, we will explore the common causes of workplace burn injuries so that you know what to avoid on the job.
Most people associate burn injuries with fire or touching something that is hot. While this is true, burns at work can be caused by a litany of things aside from flames or hot items.
The most common causes of burns in the workplace include contact with:
- Chemical gas, liquid or solid
- Steam caused by a hot liquid, fire or other item
- A hard surface, such as pavement or a rug (friction burn)
- Wires or being struck by lightning
Exposure to radiation through x-rays, UV lights, sun lamps and other items and even exposure to high winds, cold, ice and otherwise wet conditions can also cause burns.
What are the occupations in which employees are most likely to suffer burns? They include the following:
- Mechanics
- Firefighters
- Employees in the health care field
- Electricians
- Food prep employees
- Janitors
- Construction workers
Even when burn injuries that aren’t severe can cause a person to miss days of work.
Burn injuries at the workplace can be prevented. You need to wear the proper protective gear, follow safety procedures and warn others of hazards that could lead to burn injuries. A burn injury can change your life in an instant, preventing you from working for an extended period or for the remainder of your life.