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Learn More >>Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are some of the most horrific workplace injuries, and can result in a lifetime of scarring, disability and debilitation.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every year more than 200 American workers die from burn injuries in the workplace. More than 5,000 people suffer workplace burn injuries, and these injuries can be severe enough to leave the person with long-term disability and degradation. Burn injuries in the workplace can be in the form of fire, electrical, chemical, radiation and thermal burns.
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Burn injuries from a fire can occur anywhere a person is working with open flames.
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Electrical burns involve contact with power lines, and involve the passing of electric current through the skin. These injuries have the capacity to cause maximum debilitation, and can leave a worker with severe internal injuries.
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Chemical burns involve the exposure of the skin to highly corrosive chemical agents. These burns are seen very often in manufacturing plants that use plenty of chemicals like laboratories, pesticide plants, refineries and chemical plants.
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Thermal burns involve exposure of the skin to hot or scalding steam. These injuries are often seen in explosions and exposure to hot vapors.
Burn injuries may be an especially major hazard in
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Oil refineries
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Offshore rigs
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Metal plants
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Labs
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Chemical plants
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Roofing industry
However, workers in any industry which involves the use of power, chemicals and heating, may be at a risk for a burn injury. That means just about any worker, from an oil refinery technician to a restaurant chef, may be at risk from these workplace hazards.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are typically categorized into three kinds:
First Degree burns
These are superficial burns, and involve mild swelling, redness and some pain.
Second Degree burns
Here, there will be some damage to the epidermis. The patient will feel pain and redness, and blisters will begin to develop.
Third Degree Burns
These are the most serious kinds of burn injuries. Oddly enough, these burns may not result in much pain because of damage to the nerves. Here, the burns are deep enough to damage all layers of the skin and tissue. The patient is likely to require skin grafting or reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance of the skin.
The Houston workplace accident lawyers at Schechter McElwee Shaffer and Harris represent victims who have suffered a burn injury as a result of a workplace accident. If you have suffered a burn injury and have questions about your case, contact a work injury lawyer at our firm for a free evaluation of your case.
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