On average, there are 450,000 burn injuries throughout the United States each year, up to 45% of those burn injuries occur in the workplace (according to OSHA). Firefighters, chemical plant workers, food service workers, and electrical technicians are at high risk of burn injuries. Whether they are caused by an open flame, caustic chemical exposure, or high-voltage electrical shocks, a severe burn injury often comes with the emotional trauma of extreme pain and sudden disfigurement and scarring.

Burns in the workplace can be occur from a variety of causes, including:

– Workplace fires
– Electrical arc flashes
– Industrial accidents
– Chemical spills
– Car accidents

A variety of accidents can cause serious burn injuries in the workplace. Chemical, electrical, and thermal burns are categorized into different “degrees” based on severity:

First Degree – First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and has no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and often consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color.

Second Degree – These burns affect the top two layers of skin, the epidermis and the underlying dermis. Second degree burns are more serious than first degree burns, causing redness, pain, blisters, and possible scarring.

Third Degree – Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They may go into the innermost layer of skin, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site may look white or blackened and charred.

Fourth Degree – These burns are the most serious of all, classified by deep charring of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These types of burns frequently require amputation and are often fatal.

If you have a severe burn in the workplace, there are critical steps that must be followed:

1. Obtain first aid or any other necessary medical treatment as soon as possible: A doctor can diagnose your burn injury based on the severity of the damage to your skin.
2. Report your injury immediately: Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. When notifying your employer of a work accident, you must describe the accident fully and the area of your body that was injured.
3. Retain an attorney: Call Krol, Bongiorno & Given. Once you have received necessary emergency medical treatment, your next step is to call an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

At Krol, Bongiorno & Given, we fight for fair and full payment for injured workers in Illinois. If you suffer a work-related injury, call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or contact us online. We are dedicated to providing excellent support and fierce legal representation to people injured at work in Illinois.