Workplace Dangers and Burns

The risks of being involved in a workplace accident that causes a severe burn are higher in some occupations than others. While every workplace must follow safety guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect employees, burn injuries still happen — especially when OSHA guidelines are violated. Here’s what you need to know about workplace burn injuries.

Workplace Burn Injury Statistics

According to the latest study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), workplace burn injuries remain a common occurrence in the workplace, despite a decline in reported incidents. The study analyzed data from occupational burns treated in emergency rooms between 1998 to 2008 and found the following:

• There were 1,132,000 non-fatal occupational burns treated.
• There was a 40% decline in occupational burn injuries from the previous ten years.
• In 2008, men and younger workers ages 15-24 years old had the highest occupational burn injury rate.
• Scalds and thermal burns accounted for more than 60% of burns.

Occupations With the Highest Risk of Burn Injuries

Workers in these industries are at a higher risk of sustaining a burn injury:

• Foodservice
• Manufacturing
• Welding
• Construction
• Offshore oil rig drilling

Burn injuries can happen from building fires, construction site fires, or the use of chemicals. Following OSHA standards while on the job can keep all employees safe. If you feel that your workplace may have burn hazards that violate OSHA standards, you can file a safety and health complaint with OSHA.

Suffered a Burn Injury at Work? We Can Help.

Sustaining a burn injury is a scary experience. Not only can the healing process be long and difficult, but medical care and burn treatments can also pose financial burdens for you and your family. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury at work, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Let us help recover the money you deserve.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers know how to overcome the most difficult challenges when dealing with insurance companies who look for the smallest reason to deny a claim or offer low settlements. We are in your corner to help you hold negligent parties accountable for their actions and secure the compensation you deserve.