Burn injuries can be very serious. While most workers may associate burn injuries with those due to open flames, there are several other causes that can lead to serious injuries. Depending on the type of burn, the treatment and recovery period can look very different. Here is what workers should know about different types of burn injuries.
Common causes of burn injuries
Aside from burn injuries due to open flames, some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Friction burns: Friction burns are often associated with motorcycle and bicycle accidents, where an abrasion and heat burn combine into a serious burn injury. You could also experience friction burns by having a rope slip through your hands, getting too close to a sanding tool or slipping on carpet.
- Frostbite: Frostbite, or cold burns, occur when skin freezes and breaks. Many people experience frostbite from freezing weather. You could experience frostbite if you have stayed in a walk-in freezer for too long or have to work outside for an extended period of time in the winter months.
- Electrical burns: Your skin could come in contact with electricity because of a loose wire or faulty plug. It can instantly kill off skin cells and leave your hands or limbs seriously injured.
Other common causes of burn injuries include thermal burns due to high temperatures, radiation burns from x-rays and chemical burns due to strong acids or solvents.
Different jobs produce different burns
Every job is unique regarding the risks you face. A cook may be more vulnerable to open flame burns, but they may also suffer injuries from splattering hot oils. A railroad worker could be frostbitten while working in freezing weather, but they could also experience thermal burns from malfunctioning tools.
You may be required to wear protective gear when a job has a high risk of burn accidents, but even the best equipment can fail on the job. If you have been injured on the job then you may be eligible for workers’ compensation – and experienced legal guidance can help you get what you deserve.
