Workers in Maryland’s food service industry face a significant amount of stress. They work a fast-paced and demanding job.
On top of that, a number of workers in this field are new to the working world altogether. The average age of restaurant employees across the nation is 18 years old. The environment of restaurant work can be overwhelming for even the most experienced workers.
Regardless of a worker’s experience in this industry, almost all restaurant workers face a high risk of suffering burn injuries on the job.
Burn risks are almost everywhere in food service
Injuries from burns are some of the most common work injuries that restaurant workers report, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And it is no wonder that this is the industry where most burn injuries occur.
The risk is high primarily because of the many sources of heat and burn risks that workers come across in these workplaces, including, but not limited to:
- Deep fryers
- Hot food or beverage spills
- Ovens and grills
- Hot plates and steamers
In a busy kitchen where speed is often of the utmost importance for all workers, the chance of an accident involving these objects only increases.
Do not overlook the seriousness of burn injuries
Some burns are minor. They can be incredibly painful, but they may only require some ointment, pain medication and bandages to heal. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Burns can be severe injuries that lead to many days out of work while workers recover. While most burns take roughly two to three weeks to heal, third-degree burns can take much longer. They also require much more care.
Workers often face:
- Painful blisters
- Scarring
- Frequent risk of infections
- Permanent damage to skin cells
- Nerve damage
Burns can also significantly limit one’s ability to move. Many injured individuals might have to seek physical therapy to regain movement after serious accidents.
It is critical that workers never overlook the risk or severity of these injuries. Dealing with these injuries can be frightening, especially if workers worry about returning to work. But injured workers can recover workers’ compensation for burn injuries, which can help them focus entirely on healing.
