Suffering a burn injury in the workplace can be a frightening and painful experience. Whether it’s a minor burn from a hot surface or a more severe injury caused by fire or chemicals, knowing how to respond quickly and effectively is crucial for minimizing damage and promoting healing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to do if you are burned at work, from immediate first aid to seeking medical attention and reporting the incident.
Assess the Severity of the Burn:
The first step after sustaining a burn injury is to assess its severity. Burns are typically classified into three categories:
First-degree burns:
These are minor burns that only affect the outer layer of the skin, causing redness, pain, and swelling. First-degree burns can usually be treated with simple first-aid measures.
Second-degree burns:
These burns affect both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis), causing blistering, severe pain, and possible swelling and redness. Second-degree burns may require medical attention.
Third-degree burns:
These are the most severe types of burns, extending through all layers of the skin and potentially damaging underlying tissues, nerves, and muscles. Third-degree burns often appear charred or white and may be painless due to nerve damage. Immediate medical attention is necessary for third-degree burns.
Steps To Take After A Burn
Administer First Aid:
For minor burns, such as first-degree burns or small second-degree burns, you can administer first aid at the workplace:
Cool the burn:
Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-15 minutes to help soothe the pain and reduce swelling. Avoid using ice, as it can further damage the skin.
Remove tight clothing or jewelry:
If the burn is on an area covered by clothing or jewelry, carefully remove these items to prevent further irritation and allow the burn to cool.
Apply aloe vera or moisturizer:
Once the burn has cooled, apply aloe vera gel or a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.
Cover the burn with a sterile dressing:
If necessary, cover the burn with a clean, non-adhesive dressing to protect it from further irritation and reduce the risk of infection.
Seek Medical Attention:
For more severe burns or burns that cover a large area of the body, the Austin burn injury lawyers at Shaw Cowart note that it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.
Call emergency services:
If the burn is severe, such as a third-degree burn or a second-degree burn covering a large area, call emergency services immediately or have someone else do so.
Do not attempt to remove clothing or apply ointments:
In the case of severe burns, avoid removing clothing stuck to the burn or applying ointments or creams, as this can cause further damage to the skin.
Follow medical advice:
Once medical professionals arrive, follow their instructions carefully and cooperate with any treatment they recommend. This may include cleaning and dressing the burn, administering pain medication, or arranging for transfer to a specialized burn center for further care.
Report the Incident:
After receiving appropriate medical treatment, it’s important to report the burn incident to your employer or supervisor.
Fill out an incident report:
Provide details of the incident, including the cause of the burn, the severity of the injury, and any contributing factors. Reporting the incident helps ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Seek support if needed:
If you’re struggling emotionally or psychologically as a result of the burn injury, don’t hesitate to seek support from your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other resources available to you.
Follow Up with Medical Care and Rehabilitation:
Depending on the severity of the burn injury, you may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Attend follow-up appointments:
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed to monitor the healing progress of the burn and address any complications that may arise.
Participate in rehabilitation:
If the burn has caused functional limitations or scarring, participate in rehabilitation programs to regain strength, mobility, and function. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological counseling to address any emotional trauma associated with the injury.
Sustaining a burn injury in the workplace can be a traumatic experience, but knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately is essential for minimizing damage and promoting healing. Remember, safety measures and prevention are key to avoiding workplace burns, so always follow proper protocols and precautions to protect yourself and others from harm.