How To Provide First Aid for Workplace Burns

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

A burn is one of the most common types of injuries, especially in the workplace. Often the result of fire damage may have a variety of causes. Burn injuries range from very minor to fatal, and everyone at a business should know how to deal with one. Fortunately, first aid for a lesser burn injury is quite straightforward.

Types of Burn Injuries

A burn from fire damage is probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people. However, burns can come from surprising sources:

• Solar radiation
• Ionizing radiation, such as from radioactive materials
• Heat
• Cold
• Electricity
• Chemicals
• Friction
  
  

There are differences between how they are treated, but the overriding factor is how serious the burn is. However, your first action should always be to remove anyone from the source of the injury.

Severity Assessment
Serious burns are a medical emergency. If you have any doubts as to severity, call 911, and follow their advice.
Minor burns, known as first-degree burns, will usually leave an area of red, tender skin. Second-degree burns will leave the impacted area mottled, may be swollen, and can cause blisters to appear quickly. Third-degree burns, the most serious, are a deeply penetrating injury that requires immediate professional attention. The skin may have a leathery appearance, significant blistering, and may show black or yellow areas.

Minor Burn First Aid
First-degree burns can usually be treated in the workplace unless they cover an exceptionally large area or have impacted overly sensitive body parts like the eyes. Soak the area in cool water or apply a clean, wet towel for about five minutes. Allow it to dry, then apply an ointment. Aloe vera or antibiotic ointments work very well. For second-degree burns, soak the area longer – about 15 minutes or so.
Once everyone is safe and cared for after a fire, call a professional restoration company to repair the fire damage and remove the smoke odor. They can help you deal with insurance adjusters and protect any areas of your business left exposed after the fire.