Some occupations put workers at a much higher risk for personal injuries due to burns han others. This is especially true in construction and the restaurant industry. Within the restaurant industry alone, there are about 12,000 hospitalized burn cases each year. Cooks, food handlers, kitchen workers, and wait staff are all listed among the top 50 occupations at risk for on-the-job burn injury. Serious chemical and electrical burns occur frequently in the construction industry. You must not overlook the minor burns you might receive while on the job, “as part of the job.”
Here are some facts to consider if you are a worker at risk for burn injury:
Did you know…
- The majority of people hospitalized for workplace scald and contact burns are involved in food preparation.
- Teenagers employed in fast food restaurants as fry cooks are at special risk for burn injuries. During busy periods, inexperience and the pressure of “keeping up” can result in burn injuries.
- In Deep Frying, hot oil can reach temperatures of 300° to 500°F, making this task a potential high risk for burns and personal injuries.
Burns usually occur when:
- Work site management has not enforced safety rules
- Workers or employers ignore safety rules
- Shortcuts are taken or workers are time-pressured
- Persons become too familiar with their job and take unnecessary risks
- Workers are ill, tired or compromised by drugs or alcohol and unable to concentrate.
Workplace burn injuries result from contact with:
- Hot liquids and steam
- Hot oil and grease
- Hot substances such as food or sauces
- Hot surfaces – stoves, grills, ovens
- Fires from hot grease or oil
- Exposed electrical wires or improperly maintained electrical appliances or equipment.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Wear protective gloves or mitts when handling hot pots or cooking with hot deep-frying oil.
- Wear non-skid shoes to prevent slipping on wet or greasy tile floors.
- Extinguish hot oil/grease fires by sliding a lid over the top of the container. · Never carry or move oil containers when the oil is hot or on fire.
- Avoid reaching over or across hot surfaces and burners. Use barriers, guards or enclosures to prevent contact with hot surfaces.
- Read and follow directions for proper use of electrical appliances
(Source: Burn Foundation www.burnfoundation.org)
In addition to tremendous pain and suffering burn injuries can result in large losses of time and money put towards medical attention. Your job occupation should never involve routine risk or pain. If injured you should get treatment immediately. If your employer is unwilling to acknowledge or provide treatment for your injuries, you are in need of a lawyer who can make sure you receive adequate treatment and workers compensation. Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. Know and defend your rights, call our office today!
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