Some of the safety hazards that Minnesota workers face do not receive the attention they deserve. Thousands of workers are hospitalized with workplace injuries involving burns each year, and in most cases, proper safety precautions could have prevented it. Compliance with the safety standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is crucial in the prevention of burn injuries.
Adequate safety training can prepare workers for the different types of burn hazards, one of which is thermal burns. Explosions, fire, contact with hot surfaces and hot liquids cause these burn injuries. Precautions include guards to prevent contact and proper personal protective equipment.
Safe practices are essential when working with or near electricity, including overhead and underground power lines, damaged electrical cords and defective power tools. Electrical burns are caused by shocks and could cause both internal and external injuries. Adequate equipment maintenance and effective lockout/tagout programs can prevent electrical burns.
Eye or skin contact with corrosive, alkaloid and caustic chemicals can cause chemical burns. Chemical burn hazards exist on job sites where chemicals are manufactured or used for different processes, but even those used for cleaning can cause chemical burns. Proper labeling and storage protocols are crucial, and workers must have ready access to eyewash stations or emergency showers. Eye protection, gloves and respiratory protection can help prevent these burns.
Minnesota workers who suffer burn injuries must seek medical care immediately and report the incident to their employers or supervisors. This can set the ball rolling for the filing of workers’ compensation benefits. Although this process might seem daunting, an attorney who is experienced in fighting for fair compensation for victims of workplace injuries can help. Workers are typically entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages.
