Claiming Compensation For Burn Injuries At Work

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Every year thousands of people sustain burn injuries in the workplace. It is estimated that at least 20% of reported injuries at work involve burning, scalding or electric shocks. Burn injuries can occur in almost any working environment, but are especially prevalent in industries where exposure to electrical equipment, chemicals, hot liquids, steam or any other intense heat is greatest. Burn injuries often result in heavy scarring, disfigurement and various types of emotional trauma. Construction sites are known to be among the most dangerous of placed to work, and cement burns are common, producing unsightly ulcers and taking months to heal. Extreme burn injury cases of any kind will require skin grafts and can even lead to amputation or death. The causes of burn injuries are legion, and change with the times. When gas replaced coal as the main fuel for heating and cooking in the UK burns from open fires declined dramatically. At the same time radiation burns and UV light burns are new additions to the accident statistics.

Typical Causes Of Work Related Burn Injuries

As well as heat, burns may also result from electrical currents, steam, friction, cold and sunlight. The inhalation of smoke can lead to permanent lung scarring as well as a host of respiratory disorders. Cold burns are caused by exposure to low temperatures and chemicals such as liquid nitrogen. A cold burn may result in frostbite, where severe and normally permanent damage has been done to the soft tissues and inner and outer layers of skin. Chemical burns are caused when acids or alkali's come into contact with the skin. Electrical burns are less common but are among the most serious type of burn injury, as the burn may have penetrated deeply into the skin, potentially resulting in cardiac arrest.

Who Is Affected By Work Related Burn Injuries?

Apart from construction workers, chefs and other kitchen staff are especially vulnerable to burns and scalding, as they work closely with very hot liquids on a daily basis. Employers can be held liable for any burn injuries sustained on their premises. Children and elderly people are more susceptible to burn injuries, as they have more delicate skin and often lack the coordination of an average adult. According to statistics, children under 5 years old account for 45% of all severe burns and scalds nationwide. The duty of care in the instances of children falls on the parents in a domestic context, creating the legal right for a child to sue their parents. It is of the utmost importance that children are strictly monitored in any workplace, as the duty of care will have shifted from the parents to the employer.

Types Of Work Related Burn Injuries

Burns are classified as being either first, second or third degree, in escalating order of severity, depending on the amount of damage done to nerves, muscles, soft tissues, bones, blood vessels and internal organs. Burns can also be classified as fourth, fifth or sixth degree, and these types of burns normally prove fatal. Burn injuries can have other far reaching consequences for the victim apart from the risk of physical disfigurement and infection. In the case of smoke inhalation the respiratory system may have sustained damage leading to associated breathing disorders. Burn victims may have severe physical limitations placed on them by the injury, and psychological disorders due either to the trauma of the original injury or physical results of the burn are common.

Employers Must Take Steps To Prevent Accidents At Work

Your employer has a duty to prevent you from sustaining a burn injury at work by ensuring that you are properly trained, have the correct work equipment and that the job has been risk assessed correctly. Your employers duties are set out under the following workplace regulations:

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007

Bartletts Are Specialist Burn Injury Solicitors

Where the risk or burns or scalds cannot be practically eliminated, the employer must ensure that protective equipment is provided. The employer must also provide the appropriate health and safety training. Machinery, tools and work space must be kept well maintained and easy to access. If you have sustained a burn injury as a result of your working environment or the nature of your job then you may be able to receive compensation. Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in the field of burn injury claims, and work on a no win no fee arrangement meaning if you win your case your employer's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees.

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