How to avoid burns at work

Understanding Burns Awareness Month and Workplace Burn Risks

Every June, Burns Awareness Month focuses on raising awareness about burn injuries and their prevention. Spearheaded by Kidsafe, Australia's foremost child injury prevention organisation, this campaign partners with the Australian and New Zealand Burns Association (ANZBA) to educate the public on burn prevention and first aid.

Safe Work Australia reports that between 2021 and 22, burns impacted 1,100 workers, accounting for 1.4% of all occupational injuries. Suppose we are talking about occupational injuries overall. This 1.4% may not seem significant, but this figure represents hundreds of workers' lives affected by preventable incidents.

WHO has also reported that burns result in an estimated 180,000 deaths annually.

Is this matter serious enough to deserve attention? Absolutely.

This blog post explains how to avoid burns at work, covering different burn types, risk factors, consequences, and prevention strategies. Additionally, we provide tips on emergency response and first aid for burns, plus additional resources to help employers build safer workplace safety management systems.

What is a Burn?

A burn is a form of injury to the skin or other tissues resulting from heat, radiation, electricity, chemicals, friction, or contact with hot objects. Depending on type and severity, burns can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening injuries.

Severity

Burns are classified into three primary categories based on severity:

• First Degree Burns: This is a superficial burn that impacts solely on the outermost skin layers (epidermis), resulting in redness, slight swelling, and discomfort, as seen in a mild sunburn.
• Second Degree Burns: These burns penetrate the second skin layer (dermis) and may result in blistering, intense pain, and swelling. Skin might exhibit redness, pallor, or splotches.
• Third Degree Burns: These damage all layers of skin and underlying tissues. Burned area may look white, charred, or leathery and can be numb due to nerve damage.

Types

Burns can be categorised according to their underlying cause:

Thermal Burns

Thermal (heat) burns are the most prevalent type encountered in the workplace. They result from contact with flames, very hot water, hot surfaces, steam, and other sources of extreme heat, such as scalding liquids and steam. Some causes on site include:

• Accidents with machinery or equipment that generates heat, such as ovens, stoves, grills, and welding tools
• Exposure to fire or explosions
• Contact with hot objects, such as metal surfaces, liquids, and steam pipes

Electrical

The next leading cause of burn injuries is electrical, caused by current passing through the body and causing external and internal damage. Common causes at work include:

• Contact with exposed wires or defective electrical equipment
• Faulty wiring in buildings
• Accidents involving high-voltage power lines and electrical systems

Chemical

A chemical burn occurs when skin or other tissues come into contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or solvents. These burns can cause severe damage, like deep tissue injuries, depending on chemical type and concentration, as well as duration of exposure. Chemical burns can happen at work when:

• Handling and using dangerous chemicals
• Spills and splashes of corrosive substances contact skin
• Mixing incompatible chemicals

Radiation

Radiation burns result from exposure to different types of radiation like ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. These burns occur less often on site but can happen when working with radioactive materials or equipment. Occupational sources may include:

• Welding arcs
• Medical or industrial X-ray equipment
• Radioactive materials

Risk Factors for Burn Injuries

Specific industries, job positions, and tasks pose a higher risk of burn injuries because of unique work environments and activities involved. Below are some key sectors and roles where burn risks run elevated:

High-Risk Industries

Top Australian industries for work-related burn injuries include:

• Accommodation and Food Services account for 5.6% of all work-related injuries
• Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing, with 5.4% of work-related injuries
• Transport, Postal, and Warehousing, representing 5.1% of work-related injuries

Other high-risk industries include:

• Construction: Crews in this industry face frequent exposure to heat and carry a high risk of burns from handling hot materials, working with welding equipment, or standing near open flames. Referencing a detailed safe work method statement helps outline these hazards clearly before work begins.
• Manufacturing: Staff in manufacturing plants also face higher risk due to machinery that generates heat and chemicals used in production processes.
• Hospitality: Employees in restaurants and commercial kitchens are prone to thermal burns from cooking equipment, scalding liquids, and steam.
• Foodservice: Working with open flames, hot liquids, and cooking equipment puts food service crews at higher risk of burns.
• Healthcare: Healthcare professionals face exposure to various hazards that can cause burns, including chemicals, radiation, and infectious agents.
• Plant Operations: Power plant workers and others working with high-voltage equipment face risk of electrical burns, while chemical plants pose risk for chemical burns.
• Welding: Welders face risk of thermal and radiation burns from working with high temperatures and exposure to welding arcs. A hot work permit can help formalise controls before welding tasks begin.
• Offshore Drilling: Potential for fires and explosions in tight quarters, plus exposure to corrosive chemicals, puts offshore crews at elevated risk for burns.

High-Risk Job Roles

Aside from specific industries, certain job roles within those sectors also carry elevated risks for burn injuries. These include:

• Food service workers such as cooks, chefs, and kitchen staff
• Nurses and healthcare professionals
• Electricians and electrical workers
• Plumbers and pipefitters
• Welders and metalworkers
• Industrial machine operators

Preventing Burn Injuries in the Workplace

Burn injuries can have severe consequences, but many are preventable with proper safety measures. Below are key strategies for how to avoid burns at work:

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls involve physically changing the workplace environment to eliminate or reduce potential hazards. Burns can be prevented by implementing the following engineering controls:

• Install Safety Devices: Use engineering controls like automatic shut-off valves, temperature controls, and emergency stop buttons on machinery.
• Ventilation Systems: Install adequate ventilation systems where chemicals are used to reduce risk of inhalation and chemical burns.
• Safety Guards: Use safety guards and shields on equipment, including face shields, to protect workers from exposure to heat or chemicals.

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls refer to measures employers put in place to prevent burns, such as implementing workplace policies and procedures. Some key administrative controls include:

• Regularly training employees on burn hazards, proper use of protective equipment, and emergency procedures
• Developing safe work practices for handling hazardous chemicals or working near heat sources
• Establishing a system for reporting potential hazards and addressing them promptly

Strong administrative controls form the backbone of a functional workplace safety management approach, ensuring policies translate into everyday practice rather than sitting unused in a manual.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE refers to specialised gear designed to protect workers from hazards on site. PPE can help prevent burns by providing a physical barrier between crews and potential sources of injury. Some examples of PPE that can help prevent burns include:

• Flame-resistant clothing for workers in hot environments or those working with open flames
• Gloves, aprons, and goggles for protection against chemical burns
• Respirators for workers exposed to harmful fumes or smoke from fires or explosions

Employee Training and Education

Employee training is crucial in preventing burn injuries. Employers must train workers on job-related risks and self-protection measures. Training should also cover the following:

• Safety Training: Provide comprehensive training on proper handling of hazardous materials, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.
• Regular Refresher Courses: Conduct periodic refresher courses to keep employees' knowledge of best safety practices current.
• First Aid Training: Train crews in basic first aid procedures, including how to treat burns until professional medical help arrives.

Running regular toolbox talks alongside broader training programs keeps burn prevention front of mind and reinforces safe habits across shifts.

Reporting and Monitoring

Employers should establish a system for reporting potential hazards and monitoring the workplace for changes that could increase risk of serious burns elsewhere. This can involve conducting regular inspections and addressing safety concerns promptly. It also includes:

• Incident Reporting: Encourage prompt reporting of all burn incidents, regardless of severity, to understand causes and prevent recurrence.
• Data Analysis: Analyse incident reports to identify patterns and implement targeted improvements.

Safety Culture

A strong safety culture promotes a secure work environment where crews can report hazards without fear of reprisal. Employers should promote safety as a top priority. This can involve:

• Safety committees and representatives from different departments
• Regular meetings or toolbox talks to consult on potential hazards and share best practices
• Rewarding employees for actively promoting safety or coming up with innovative solutions to prevent burn injuries

These measures safeguard workers while enhancing productivity and strengthening overall success of an organisation. Embedding safety into daily routines, rather than treating it as an afterthought, remains central to effective safety management.

Compliance with Regulations and Standards

Complying with established standards and regulations proves crucial for preventing burn injuries in the workplace. These guidelines provide a framework for maintaining a safe working environment and ensure safety measures apply consistently. Some of the most relevant standards for burn prevention in Australian workplaces are:

• AS 1851 - Standard for proper maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
• AS 1670 - Standard for design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems.
• AS/NZS 3000 or the Australian / New Zealand Wiring Rules - Standards for electrical installations in Australia and New Zealand.
• AS 1905 - Standard for design and installation of portable fire-resistant doorsets.

Emergency Response and First Aid

Burn injuries can sometimes be unavoidable despite the best prevention measures. Therefore, workplaces must be well-prepared to respond effectively if such injuries occur. Below are key steps and considerations for emergency response and first aid:

1. Immediate Actions

Act immediately when a burn injury occurs. Faster response leads to better outcomes. In the case of a burn injury, take these immediate actions:

• Move the injured person to a safe area away from further injury risk.
• Remove any clothing or jewellery that has come into contact with the burn.
• Remove the burn source. This might include turning off electricity, removing the person from the heat source, or rinsing away chemicals.

2. First Aid Steps

The following first aid steps can help prevent infection and reduce severity of a burn injury:

• Assess the Situation: Evaluate burn severity. Call emergency services immediately if it is a severe burn (third-degree or covering a large area).
• Cool the Burn:
  • Cool the burn with cool, running water for at least 10-20 minutes for thermal burns. Do not use ice, as it can cause further tissue damage.
  • For chemical burns, flush the affected area with running water for 15-20 minutes to dilute the chemical.
• Remove Contaminated Clothing: Carefully remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn site. Do not peel off anything stuck to burned skin.
• Cover the Burn: Cover the burn with sterile, non-adhesive bandages or clean cloths to protect against infection.
• Avoid Home Remedies: Avoid using ointments, butter, or home remedies on burns as they may cause infection and disrupt medical treatment.
• Elevate the Burned Area: If possible, elevate the burned area above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
• Monitor for Shock: Look for signs of shock, such as fainting, pale complexion, or rapid breathing, and treat accordingly by keeping the person warm and lying down.

3. Emergency Equipment

Preparedness for emergency care requires having necessary equipment on hand. This includes:

• First Aid Kits: Ensure first aid kits stay well-stocked and easily accessible in multiple locations throughout the workplace.
• Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations: Regularly maintain and ensure accessibility to emergency showers and eyewash stations, especially in areas where chemicals get used.
• Fire Extinguishers and Blankets: Keep fire extinguishers and fire blankets readily available and ensure staff receive training to use them.

4. Employee Training

Another crucial aspect of emergency response involves providing proper training to employees. Every workplace must require the following:

• Regular Drills: Conduct regular emergency drills so all employees know steps to take in the event of a burn injury.
• First Aid Certification: Encourage or require key staff members to obtain first aid certification, emphasising burn treatment.
• Clear Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels for reporting burn injuries and seeking help swiftly.

5. Emergency Response Plans

Every workplace should have a comprehensive emergency response plan to guide staff in handling burn injuries. This plan should include:

• Designated Response Team
• Emergency Contacts
• Emergency Procedures
• Evacuation Plans

6. Post-Incident Protocol

Following up with proper post-incident protocol proves essential if a burn injury occurs. Doing so helps prevent future injuries and ensures the injured worker gets adequate care. This may include:

• Documenting the incident thoroughly, including details about how the burn occurred, response actions taken, and any immediate medical interventions.
• Analysing the incident to identify safety protocol gaps or emergency response gaps and implement improvements to prevent future occurrences.
• Providing support and resources for the injured employee, such as medical care and accommodations during their recovery. A structured return to work plan supports employees transitioning back after treatment.
• Conducting follow-up evaluations to ensure proper healing and identify any long-term effects or concerns.
• Reviewing and updating safety protocols and training based on the incident to prevent similar injuries down the track.

Prevent and Manage Burn Injuries Effectively with SafetyDocs

Minimise the consequences of workplace burns through well-defined plans and effective response strategies using SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture. We offer comprehensive resources and documents to help businesses effectively prevent and manage burn injuries. Our customisable templates for safety plans, training materials, and emergency preparedness protocols make it easy for companies to comply with occupational standards and regulations.

Below are some resources or templates that can help businesses prevent workplace burns:

• Fire Prevention and Safety Safe Operating Procedure
• Chemicals Safe Operating Procedure
• Prescribed Burns Safe Work Method Statement
• Emergency Response Procedure - Fire

With SafetyDocs, you can avoid potential hazards and protect employees from burn injuries. Download our resources and improve emergency preparedness today!

Our team of experts stays dedicated to providing accurate and informative content. Craig Cruickshank, our senior HSEQ advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture has reviewed this blog post to ensure the highest level of quality. Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn for more industry insights.

Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business.

Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.