This week is Burn Injury Awareness Week, a great opportunity to learn more about workplace burn injuries, including the common types of burns, occupations at high-risk for burn injuries and workers' compensation benefits for these injuries. You may not know that burn injuries are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death in the U.S. Eight percent of injuries treated in burn units are workplace-related. If you suffered a burn injury at work, the Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorneys of O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you pursue compensation. Schedule a free, no obligation legal consultation today to discuss your legal options.
Types Of Workplace Burns
From 2011 to 2015, approximately 486,000 burn or fire injuries were treated in emergency rooms throughout the nation. Burns are categorized by degree, the higher the degree the higher the severity:- First-degree burns – These cause damage to the skin’s first layer. Sometimes these can be treated at home without seeking medical attention.
- Second-degree burns – These cause damage to the skin’s first and second layers. These often require treatment at a hospital.
- Third-degree burns – These cause damage to all skin layers as well as the tissue below the skin. These often cause long-term damage and physical pain.
- Chemical burns - These occur when the skin or eyes make contact with chemicals, acids, alkaloids or other caustic agents, such as industrial cleaners.
- Thermal burns - These result from contact with hot liquids (scald burns), flames, explosions or hot objects.
- Electrical burns - These types of burns happen when electrical current moves through the body.
- Sun or radiation exposure burns – Outdoor workers and those working with lamps using ultraviolet light can suffer sunburns if proper precautions are not taken, such as using sunscreen and reducing hours of exposure.
- Friction burns - These occur when the body comes into contact with a hard surface, the road or rugs. Road rash is a type of friction burn.
- Cold burns - Cold burns form due to exposure to cold, wet and windy work conditions.
Occupations At Risk For Burn Injuries
Workplace burn injuries are possible in most work environments, though workers in certain occupations are at a higher risk. This is because certain professions are exposed to hazards that could cause burns on a more frequent basis compared to other professions. Professionals at a higher risk of suffering workplace burn injuries include:- Firefighters
- Electricians
- Construction workers
- Health care workers
- Mechanics
- Food workers, including cooks, servers and chefs
- Janitorial workers
- Landscape and outdoor workers
