Preventing Burn Injuries at Work

Burn injuries in the workplace are a very common, yet serious problem. Fortunately, burns can all be avoided when certain safety precautions are practiced on the job. Below, we discuss several tips on preventing burn injuries at work.

If you’ve sustained such harm through the course of your employment, consult an experienced Charlotte work injury lawyer at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. Our attorneys are well-versed in North Carolina workers’ compensation laws, and can guide you through the process of filing a claim. To schedule a free, initial consultation of your case, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.

Common Types of Workplace Burns

In most cases, a burn injury occurs from an energy transfer to the body. The most common types of burns that are often seen in workplace environments include:

• Thermal burns – Thermal burns arise when heat sources increase the temperature of the skin and tissue and char or kill it. They are usually caused by hot metals, steam, flames, and scalding liquids that come in contact with the skin.
• Radiation burns – Radiation burns are burns that occur as a result of prolonged exposure to UV rays of the sun or x-ray radiation.
• Chemical burns – Chemical burns appear when potent acids, solvents, or detergents contact the skin and/or eyes.
• Electrical burns – Electrical burns come from alternating currents or direct currents.

How to Prevent Workplace Burn Injuries

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of a work-related burn injury and the hefty medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering it will likely bring.

Adhere to All Rules
As an employee, you should be aware of all of the rules and safety techniques your employer enforces. If you are unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask your boss for clarification. You can also ask them for a safety demonstration or training if necessary.

Dress Properly
Depending on your particular job and workplace environment, it’s important to wear the appropriate clothing. Consider wearing fire-resistant materials – including gloves, eye protection, and shoes.

Pay Attention
One of the most common causes of burn injuries is employees who simply do not pay attention. It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings so you don’t make a careless mistake that can leave you or another employee injured.

Store and Handle Chemicals Correctly
Follow all directions when you store and handle chemicals. Take the time to read labels and safety sheets for any products you come in contact with. Remember that cutting corners puts you at a high risk for burn injuries.

Minimize Heat Exposure
The best way to protect yourself from thermal burns is to minimize your exposure or contact with any hot surfaces, hot liquids, flames, or steam that are at high temperatures.

Follow Lock-Out/Tag-Out Procedures
Lock-out/tag-out procedures are implemented to ensure that dangerous machines are shut off properly and cannot be started up again before repair or maintenance work has been completed. You should learn about these procedures and follow them when you’re performing electrical work.

Be Aware of the Location of Safety Equipment
Before you start working, you should know exactly where you can access fire equipment and other safety tools. It’s also vital to be aware of where the first aid kit and eyewash station are situated.

Injured at Work? Contact a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you sustain a burn injury at work despite your efforts to prevent one, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Then, reach out to Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys so we can inform you of your legal options and fight for you to obtain the fair compensation you deserve. To get started on your case, contact us at (980) 237-4579 today.