When most people think of burn injuries at work, they often picture open flames or high temperatures. While these are common sources, workplace burns can result from a much wider range of hazards.
According to the Labour Force Survey, it is estimated that in Great Britain there were around 29,000 incidents of burns or scalds at work during 2021/22 – 2023/24. Many such incidents can usually be prevented with proper health and safety measures.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most common causes of workplace burn injuries and how they typically occur.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns happen when the skin comes into direct contact with a heat source. This could be flames, hot surfaces, steam, or boiling liquids. Employees working in kitchens, manufacturing, welding, or foundries are particularly at risk.
Even brief contact with a hot surface or liquid can cause painful burns. For example, restaurant staff may suffer burns in the kitchen from boiling oil or steam, while factory workers might be burned by malfunctioning machinery or overheating components.
As well as the risk of burn injuries, fires can cause a risk of smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, employers must ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in high-risk areas. Failure to do so might give you grounds to claim compensation for any suffering caused.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances. These can include acids, alkalis, solvents, detergents, and other industrial chemicals. Workers in cleaning, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing are especially vulnerable.
Some of the common workplace products that can cause chemical burns at work include:
- Cleaning agents.
- Cement (particularly when wet).
- Paint thinners and solvents.
- Pesticides and fertilisers.
- Hair and beauty products.
- Batteries and battery acid.
Chemical burns can happen through spills, splashes, or even fumes, so appropriate training and PPE to protect staff are essential.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns result from an electric current passing through the body. They are often caused by contact with exposed wiring, faulty machinery, or improper use of electrical tools.
Preventing electrical burns at work involves:
- Grounding all electrical equipment properly.
- Wearing PPE such as non-conductive gloves and boots.
- Regularly inspecting and PAT testing equipment.
- Using insulated tools.
- Ensuring only trained staff handle electrical repairs.
Electric shock injuries can also lead to deep internal burns, heart complications, and in the most serious cases, death (electrocution).
Scalds From Hot Liquids Or Steam
Scalds are a type of thermal burn caused by contact with hot liquids or steam. Workers in catering, cleaning, and healthcare settings often face a risk of scald injuries. For example, a sudden burst of steam from an industrial dishwasher or a spill from a hot drinks dispenser can cause serious injuries.
Preventive steps include clearly labelling hot equipment, using protective gloves, and keeping walkways clear to avoid accidental spills from slips, trips, falls or collisions.
Gas Explosions & Fires
Gas leaks and explosions can happen in workplaces that use fuel gases for heating, welding, or powering machinery. A small leak can quickly become dangerous if the gas ignites.
To minimise the risk:
- Regularly inspect gas lines and equipment.
- Store gas canisters safely.
- Train staff on what to do in the event of a leak.
Factories, warehouses, and commercial kitchens are among the most at-risk environments.
Radiation & Sun Exposure
Burns can also result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or other forms of radiation. Welders, for example, can suffer burns from UV light if they don’t wear proper face shields or protective clothing. Similarly, outdoor workers who are exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods without protection may suffer sunburn, a less severe but still painful type of burn.
Smoke Inhalation
Although not a burn to the skin, smoke inhalation is a serious injury that can occur during workplace fires. Breathing in hot smoke can cause damage to the lungs and airways, sometimes leading to long-term respiratory issues.
This type of injury is common in enclosed workspaces where there’s a fire and limited ventilation. Proper fire safety procedures and evacuation plans are vital to reducing this risk.
Hotel & Hospitality Fires
Employees in hotels and the hospitality industry can also be at risk of burn injuries, especially in kitchens, laundry areas, or during maintenance work. Despite regulations requiring fire drills and safety checks, incidents still occur due to human error, equipment faults, or poor training.
Knowing Your Legal Rights
Under UK health and safety laws, employers must take all reasonable steps to protect workers from harm, including burns. This includes:
- Carrying out risk assessments.
- Providing suitable PPE.
- Offering training on hazardous substances and safe equipment use.
- Ensuring regular maintenance of tools, wiring, and gas appliances.
If an employer fails to meet these obligations and a worker is burnt as a result, they could be held legally responsible.
Additionally, employers with more than 10 staff need to ensure that there is a sufficient number of trained first-aiders in the workplace and that they have access to adequate equipment to treat burn injuries if they occur.
First Aid & Immediate Responses
According to the NHS, the correct first-aid treatment for burns and scalds includes:
- As soon as possible, stop the burning by putting out any flames with water or using a fire blanket where it is safe to do so.
- Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn injury, unless it is stuck to the skin.
- Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible. Do not use ice, creams, or ointments.
- Keep the injured person warm, as this can help prevent shock and hypothermia.
- Cover the burn loosely with cling film by placing it gently over the wound rather than wrapping it around it.
- Pain from a burn can be managed using over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking any medication. Importantly, aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.
- Raise the affected area, if possible, to help reduce swelling.
While specific staff might be trained in first-aid, if there is a high risk of burn injuries in the workplace, it may be a good idea to ensure all staff receive a basic level of training if possible.
Conclusion
Burn injuries at work can range from minor to life-changing. While many are preventable, they still happen all too often across a range of industries. From chemical exposure and electrical faults to gas explosions and kitchen accidents, there are numerous hazards that can cause serious harm.
In many cases burn injuries can be avoided in many workplace situations if the correct safety procedures are followed. These can include the use of PPE, proper maintenance of equipment and adequate staff training.
Importantly, if you have been burned at work and the accident was caused by your employer’s negligence, you could be eligible to begin a burn injury claim for compensation. This is something we could help with so please get in touch if you have any questions.