Burns have the potential to damage your body so significantly that it can be nearly impossible to heal. Those who suffer from severe burns may be unable to sweat correctly, have no sensation due to nerves being destroyed and may need a lifetime of care.
Fortunately, workplace burns are preventable. There are a number of different types of burns that could occur, but with the right preventative techniques, it’s possible to avoid burns completely.
Electrical burns are some of the most common burns in the workplace. When a current travels through the body, it hits the tissues and meets resistance. At that point, the body suffers a burn from the buildup of heat. To help prevent these burns in the workplace, your employer should train each worker to use machinery and devices that have the potential to electrocute you. Additionally, high-voltage machines need to be marked clearly.
Another kind of burn you could be exposed to is a chemical burn. Chemical burns happen when your skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive or caustic materials. Acids and alkaloids can both cause chemical burns to the skin. Even commonly used cleaning supplies have the potential to leave you with chemical burns. How can you prevent them? Make sure you and anyone else using caustic or corrosive materials wear the correct safety equipment and has training in how to perform tasks safely.
If you suffer from a burn of any kind on the job, your attorney can help you make sure you get the workers’ compensation you deserve. This compensation is there to help support your medical care needs and to replace lost wages if you need to miss a significant amount of work.
Source: OSHA Education Center, “Preventing Workplace Burns,” accessed May 18, 2017
