National Burn Awareness Week is the first full week in February. Now is the perfect time to review your risks and to actively take safety measures. While most burns involve skin, it is important to remember that chemical splashes can also burn eye tissue. Workplace burn hazards include hot liquids (for example, water or grease), steam, open flames, hot surfaces, contact with electricity, and contact with corrosive chemicals.
Prevent Burns by Taking These Precautions:
• Identify burn hazards related to the task or work area.
• Keep alert while working.
• Avoid reaching over or across hot surfaces or substances.
• Wear personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to chemicals and hot substances and surfaces.
• Follow work rules carefully.
• Read the safety data sheets (SDSs) for chemicals for burn information.
• Be careful around electrical equipment.
• Remember that steam can burn as well as hot liquids.
Workplace burns need prompt, proper attention. First-degree burns are the least serious. The affected skin may turn red and be painful.
First aid involves:
1. Applying cool water or wrapped ice packs
2. Covering with a clean cloth or dressing
3. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
Second-degree burns are more serious because the burn goes deeper. The affected skin will be red and blistered.
First aid involves:
1. Removing clothing covering the burn, unless it’s stuck to the burned skin
2. Applying cool water or wrapped ice packs
3. Leaving blisters alone and not breaking them
4. Getting quick medical attention if the burn covers a large area or is on the face, hands or genitals
Third-degree burns are the most severe and may be life-threatening. The affected skin appears white or charred. You may see exposed bones and tendons. Third-degree burns require emergency medical treatment. Don’t try to treat third-degree burns or remove clothing that is stuck to the burned area. Instead:
1. Cover burned area lightly with a clean cloth
2. Elevate burned limbs
3. Call for emergency medical assistance
4. Watch for shock and administer first aid for this condition if necessary
Take the time to prepare. By regularly reviewing risks, you can ensure that proper precautions have been taken to prevent and assess burns.
DISCLAIMER: Any information and recommendations contained in this communication have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, Lon Brown Insurance, Fearrin Insurance, Key Henson Jackson Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance Group accepts no legal responsibility for the accuracy, sufficiency, or completeness of such information. Additional safety and health procedures may be required to comply with local, state, or federal law. Content in this document is not legal advice, nor does it amend the terms, conditions, or coverages of any insurance policy issued by herein above listed insurance agencies and/or companies. Materials provided by Auto Owners Insurance to Brown Insurance Group for use as an educational tool.