How to avoid burns at work

National Burns Awareness Month

This month is National Burns Awareness Month, and we're raising awareness about burns at work.

According to Safe Work Australia Data, nearly 2,000 workers were seriously injured in burn accidents last year.

Electrical burns, chemical burns and thermal burns are common injuries in the workplace and don't forget sunburn (radiation) can also cause severe skin damage. Below, are four tips that workers and employers can follow to prevent burn-related injuries in the workplace.

How to prevent burn-related injuries in the workplace

1. Personal Protective Equipment

Wearing the proper PPE and clothing can make a difference. Fire-resistant materials, such as wool, in clothing, are known to help prevent burns to the body. Some synthetics can stick to your skin if burned and should be avoided. The correct gloves, shoes, hats and other protective wear should be worn when there is a risk of burns.

2. Slow Down and Take Care

Workers should take extra care when working near hot surfaces, handling hot oil or other hot parts. Reaching across hot equipment, transporting hot materials or not being aware of your surroundings can be disastrous if not careful. Shortcuts or not paying attention can lead to burns.

3. Plan and Prepare

Accidents happen. Make sure all workers know where first aid kits are located and that properly functioning fire-extinguishing equipment is available. It is also essential that workers know what steps to take in the case of burns. Running the injured area under cool water might be fine for a first-degree burn, but a more serious second and third-degree requires different first aid strategies.

Whether burns or other injuries, having safe work procedures in place is a key component to having a safe workplace. Employers should discuss safe work procedures regularly with workers. Prevention is key to preventing burns and other accidents in the workplace.

4. Burn Treatment

First, you should always keep a supply of sterile gauze and bandages on hand. If the burn is more than just a superficial wound, you should also have a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Additionally, it is important to know how to treat burns properly.

For minor burns, you can apply cool water to the area for relief. However, for more serious burns, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. By being prepared, you can ensure that you can handle any burn properly.

Burns are a common type of injury, and they can range from minor to severe. While most burns can be treated at home, more severe burns may require medical attention. To ensure that you are prepared to handle burns, it is important to have an emergency plan in place.

Author: Craig Cruickshank

Check out our Emergency Plan here.

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.