Each year hundreds of workers suffer burn injuries resulting from accidents in the workplace. The majority of these are avoidable if the proper training is conducted and safe work habits enforced.
Work accident compensation claims for burn injuries can result from a variety of situations:
- Thermal burns are a common source of work-related accidents in restaurants and other service industries. This type of burn can be caused by such things as hot surfaces, hot oils, fires, faulty electrical equipment, flames and hot water as well as other hot liquids. More often than not these burns are superficial (first degree), and typically result in minor work comp claims. Since this type of burn goes no deeper than the epidermis (surface) of the skin, the injured workers usually have a positive and speedy recovery.
- There is a potential risk of electrical burns in virtually every working environment. This is particularly true in service industries where a number of commercial and industrial appliances and tools are utilized. Sometimes there are complicating factors in the detection of this type of burn injury. Electrical burns can be serious and cause damage to the eye, heart, nervous system and internal organs. A comprehensive examination may be required to determine the extent of injury.
- Chemical burns can also occur when using solvents, acids, cleaning solutions and other chemicals. Injuries can range from a minor rash to serious burns that can cause damage well below the surface of the skin.
For all burns other than very minor, superficial burns, immediate treatment by a medical professional is recommended. This will help in the management of residual pain from the accident, promote proper healing and enable the worker to return to their normal duties as soon as possible.