It’s common knowledge that working in some of the world’s most dangerous industries comes with a certain degree of risk. There are unfortunate circumstances in which serious injuries may occur if safety is not prioritized or if negligence is present. Burns are among the most serious kinds of injuries that can occur. These can range from mild to severe, but when they are the result of another person’s negligence, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
The World Health Organization estimates that millions of people every year experience burn injuries. Sadly, many of these burns happen on the job. If you work in an industry where severe burns are a common hazard, you should be aware of that fact and know what to do if you get such an injury due to your employer’s negligence or a lack of safety standards. Some of the jobs with the highest risk of burn injury include:
Foodservice Workers
The food service industry is always fast-paced. This applies to establishments like restaurants, ships, and other places where a lot of people are cooking simultaneously. The fast-paced nature of the industry means that staff often have to rush to fulfill changing client demands. Unfortunately, striving for speed and quality can sometimes be risky in the kitchen.
Workers in the food service business are at significant risk of burn and scald accidents due to the frequent use of hot cooking equipment such as fryers, pans, and stoves. Many things can cause a burn injury because of the open flames and the high temperatures they generate. Serious burns can result from even the slightest carelessness.
In the food service industry, certain measures should be followed to lessen the likelihood of a burn accident occurring. For instance, having the kitchen laid out in such a way that excessive traffic is prevented in any location where fires, hot liquids, or hot pans are present is essential. Though these precautions should always be in place, all too often they aren’t.
Plant Workers
Certain chemicals, electrical outlets, and heavy gear all pose risks in industrial plants. Chemical burns from oxidizers, thinners, or acids are common among plant workers. They face a great deal of risk on the job due to these factors and the possibility of plant explosions. Numerous opportunities exist for employees to sustain chemical or thermal burns due to the abundance of chemicals and combustible items.
Some chemical burns are very mild, but others are extremely harmful. Certain chemicals, if they touch the skin, can cause severe burns. Internal harm can be done by even inhaling certain gases or smoke. Corrosive gas, which could be released in the event of an explosion at a chemical or gas facility, can inflict serious burns and breathing problems.
Explosions are likely if combustible materials or chemicals catch fire, and flames can cause serious harm to plant workers. This usually results in more severe burns, such as third-degree burns, which can affect deep layers of the skin, tissue, muscle, and bone.
Fire Fighters
There are several risks that firefighters face every day. They run into blazes, rush into burning cars, and run into explosions to save others. Given the nature of their work, firefighters risk getting burned by a raging flame or extremely hot metals or bricks. Even worse, breathing in hot air can severely burn the airway, perhaps leading to fatal injuries.
Construction Workers
Frequently, construction workers are exposed to severe burns due to their usage of hot, heavy machinery and tools. Hence, burns can also happen as a result of welding, electrocution, or chemical burns. A burn injury is a devastating event since it can cause excruciating agony and lasting scarring.
Welders
Welders frequently work in challenging, extremely hot conditions. They require specialized equipment that simulates the appearance of a torch to generate heat. However, the tool might become risky with every slight movement that results in an error. It is common for welders to sustain burns to their hands and forearms while working. A burn injury can be devastating and may prevent the victim from returning to work. Therefore, welders must have all the protective gear they need to avoid serious injury and exposure to potential hazards.
Big Rig Drivers and Offshore Drilling Rig Workers
When combustible materials spill from a large truck and come into contact with a naked wire, the rig driver becomes at risk. Furthermore, dangerous goods may explode while in transit, leading to life-threatening fires. Risks associated with offshore drilling have been around for a while.
The working conditions on these rigs are generally cramped and dangerous, with explosions, flames, and other sources of burn injuries always present. While historical events provide a foundation to build safety measures, negligence may still be present in some settings. When this occurs, the victims may be left with permanent scarring and other burn-related health problems.
Coal Miners
Coal miners have valid concerns about being exposed to extreme heat or fire. Coal’s oxidation reaction with oxygen can cause a sudden fire if it’s not properly managed. The consequence can be severe skin burns for inexperienced coal miners, which may require considerable medical intervention.
Employer Liability
It is the responsibility of every employer, regardless of industry, to do everything they can to keep their workers safe from danger. This includes doing whatever is needed to train people, reduce hazards in the workplace, and implement safety precautions. Learning about these precautions and following them will help you avoid serious burn injuries and those of your coworkers. Essential precautions include:
- Protect workers against burns by providing them with the necessary safety gear.
- Urgent care facilities are specifically designed to treat burn victims.
- Established procedures for the disposal of toxic materials and heated liquids.
- Constant training to make sure all workers, new and old, are aware of and following safety protocols at all times.
When an employer does to offer the required level of safety for those who work for them and something goes wrong, the employer is deemed negligent and may be held liable for any damages that occurred. Security measures should be in place for the protection of all employees. Injured workers have legal protections when negligence is present. Employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to offer safe workplace and injury-preventative measures to their employees.
Unfortunately, not everyone follows the regulations established. Burn injury lawyers can hold employers responsible when they disregard workers’ rights and make compromises in favor of profits and efficiency over safety.
If you have suffered a burn injury while at work, you need to retain a skilled NYC burn injury lawyer for proper guidance, to protect your legal rights, and help you pursue your deserved financial compensation.
