On-The-Job Burn Injuries
Burns are a common form of household injury. Most of us have had the experience of burning ourselves while cooking on the stove or taking something from the oven, while ironing our clothes, or as the result of spilling a hot liquid. These burns can be extremely painful, causing blistering and scarring, and take a surprisingly long time to heal. Fortunately for most of us, these types of household accidents result in minor burns that cause no serious or long-term ramifications.
Often, serious and potentially damaging burns occur in the workplace. On-the-job burn injuries cause severe and often life-threatening injuries. The following includes information you should know about the types of burn injuries that can happen and the potential consequences that can result from being burned on the job.
Types of On the Job Burn Injuries
Burn injuries pose a major health hazard and threat to safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are over 5,000 work-related burn injuries that occur each year. Fire safety is an important part of maintaining a safe workplace, yet despite regulations and adherence to safety practices, burn injuries continue to comprise a high percentage of all work-related injuries. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that over 42 percent of all on-the-job injuries are caused by burns.
Common types of work related burn injuries include:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Chemical burns
- Thermal burns
- Contact burns
Any type of job can pose the potential risk for burn injuries. Workers at the greatest risk for being burned on the job include electricians and contractors, workers in chemical processing plants, factory workers, service industry workers, and laundry workers.
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Complications from Burn Injuries
While any workplace burn should receive prompt medical treatment, in some cases hospitalization may be required. Depending on the location and severity of the burn, burn victims may require specialized treatments in burn units and trauma centers where the medical staff is trained and equipped to handle any special care the burn victim may require. Burn victims often suffer terrible pain as the result of the injuries and may need to undergo skin grafts to repair damages and reduce or minimize scarring. Even a seemingly minor burn can result in medical complications.
Potential complications resulting from burn injuries include:
- Infections
- Low blood volume due to damages blood cells and fluid loss
- Hypothermia, caused by damage to skin
- Breathing problems, due to inhalation of smoke or hot air
- Bone and joint problems due to scar tissue
Contact a Legal Professional Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury while on the job, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm immediately. Our experienced South Carolina worker’s compensation attorneys understand the serious, long-term damages caused by these types of injuries. Our attorneys will help you get the benefits you need to recover from your injuries while ensuring your family is provided for.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
