Workplace burns: Don’t get scorched Avoiding them and treating them.

Protect workers from burns and keep your company in compliance with OSHA’s standards. From blistering to infection to amputation and even death, burns are a serious hazard. Burns: The bottom line Every year, thousands of staffers suffer burns in the workplace. And those injuries range from minor burns to ones so severe they require skin grafts. So it’s crucial to know how to prevent and handle burns.

Fire &burns Obviously, fire can cause burns. If someone catches fire, you should: • stop, drop and roll the victim • smother the flames with a fire blanket or non-synthetic cloth, and • remove any smoldering clothing that is not stuck to the skin. Thermal burns Thermal burns are caused by contact with a hot object or liquid. They are pink or reddish. To treat thermal burns: • apply cold running water for 20 minutes • while applying the water, remove any hot or wet clothing that may retain heat.

Chemical burns Chemical burns are caused by coming in contact with highly acidic or basic chemicals. The burns are blistering and a deep red color. To treat a chemical burn: • flush the area immediately with cold water for 20-30 minutes, • remove contaminated clothing, • find the Material Safety Data Sheets to give to emergency responders.

Electrical burns are black or white in color and leathery – and can put the victim in shock. To treat electrical burns: •make absolutely sure that the power is shut off before trying to help an electrical burn victim. • check the victim’s airway for signs of life and perform CPR if needed, and • look for burns where the current entered and exited the body. Then flush them with cool water for 20 minutes.

Personal protective equipment is probably the best way to make sure you don’t get burned. Safety goggles, hard hats, gloves and flame-resistant clothing can all reduce the chance you’ll get burned. So make sure your PPE fits properly – and wear it every shift. PROTECT YOURSELF

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