Preventing Burn Risks In Your Business

A burn is a very painful occurrence, and severe burns can easily be life-threatening. Burns open the risk of infection, disfigurement, chronic pain and ongoing medical costs. They’re nothing to take lightly.  

Burns can happen anywhere, including your workplace. One estimate is that around 25 percent of all hospital burn cases originate at someone’s job. Should an employee sustain burns at work, they might not be able to work for some time. They might be unable to make a living. This incapacitation might entitle the employee to workers compensation coverage. 

Workers Compensation For Burns 
If an employee gets burned at work, this might impact their ability to provide for themselves. Therefore, most states require businesses to carry workers compensation insurance. This coverage can help businesses pay employees who sustain injuries while on the job.  

Workers compensation can often help the burned employee afford medical bills and everyday expenses while they recover. Businesses often have to provide workers compensation even if they were not negligently responsible for the burn injury. A simple accident might entitle the employee for coverage. 

Burns in the workplace can arise from a variety of sources. These might include: 

• Burns from open flames, controlled or uncontrolled fires
• Chemical burns from solvents
• Electrical burns
• Thermal burns, such as those from hot surfaces 

Everything from a welding torch to a hot coffee pot might lead to a burn. This makes workers compensation insurance critical. 

The amount of protection an employee receives might vary. This total usually depends on the law and the details of the insurance policy. 

Preventing Burns In Your Business 
A burn can happen in any business. All enterprises should make conscious efforts to check burn risks on their premises. Operators can do so by: 

• Placing warnings about burn hazards and known areas of risk. These might include kitchens, exposed pipes, electrical wiring and automatic equipment.
• Teaching employees how to properly operate machinery that poses burn risks. Operators must always use materials according to manufacturer directions.
• Installing fire, smoke and heat alarms throughout the business.
• Immediately stopping use of any items that pose imminent burn risks. 

Keep all sources of heat at your business in good working order. Regularly inspect all equipment for signs of damage that might lead to burn risks. Should an employee experience a burn at any time, immediately begin an investigation and file a workers compensation report. Work with your Five County Insurance agent and other parties to help the employee get assistance.