Burns in the Workplace: First Aid and Safety Measures

In any workplace, safety should always be a top priority, especially when it comes to handling hazards like burns. Whether you work in a kitchen, laboratory, manufacturing plant, or any environment where heat or chemicals are present, knowing how to deal with burns can prevent more serious injuries or complications. Here’s a guide on how to respond to burns effectively.

Understanding Types of Burns

Before offering first aid, it’s important to understand the types of burns, ad different burns may require different care:

• First-Degree Burns: These affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, pain, and minor swelling. Examples include minor sunburns or burns from brief contact with hot surfaces.
• Second-Degree Burns: These go deeper, affecting both the epidermis and part of the dermis. They result in blisters, severe pain, and redness.
• Third-Degree Burns: These are the most severe, penetrating through the entire skin thickness into underlying tissues. The area might look white or charred, and there can be less pain due to nerve damage.

Immediate First Aid for Burns:

1. Safety First:

   Ensure the area is safe before you assist anyone. If the cause of the burn (like a fire or chemical spill) is still active, address it first.

2. Cool the Burn:

   For thermal burns, immediately cool the area with cool (not cold or icy) water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This helps stop the burning process, reduces pain, and minimizes tissue damage. Do not apply ice or very cold water as it can worsen the injury.

3. Remove Constrictive Clothing or Jewelry:

   Gently remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn site before swelling occurs, but do not remove anything that has stuck to the burn. (If anything is stuck to the burn, you will need professional medical care)

4. Cover the Burn:

   Use a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or a clean cloth to cover the burn. It is important to get something that is not fluffy, as the "fluff" can contaminate the wound as pieces fall off.
   
   Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the burn, as this can be painful to remove later and may break the blister. Use medical tape to keep the wound dressing in place, and you can use a tensor bandage to further protect the area after the area is covered, and prevent the bandage from falling off.

5. Pain Management:

   Over-the-counter pain relief can be given if the person is conscious and not allergic. However, always check for allergies or contraindications first. Avoid heat near or on the burn to keep pain bearable. 

6. Do Not Break Blisters:

   Blisters are part of the healing process; breaking them can increase the risk of infection.

7. Special Considerations:
   • Chemical Burns: Rinse continuously with water for 20 minutes or more, and remove contaminated clothing if it's safe to do so. Do not use neutralizing agents unless you're certain they won't cause additional harm.
   • Electrical Burns: Ensure the power source is off before touching the person. Electrical burns can have internal damage not visible from the outside, so medical attention is critical.
   • When in Doubt: Seek Medical Care
     

Beyond the First Aid Kit:

It is important to always keep a well stocked first aid kit in case of injury. Supplies should be unopened, sterile, and not expired. Check on a regular basis to ensure that the kit is well stocked in case of emergency so you are not caught without necessary supplies when emergencies arise!

Beyond the essentials, there are a few unlikely heroes for burns:

• Lavender Essential Oil: is a secret weapon that many chefs keep on hand as it can be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving - with a slight cooling sensation. You can dilute the oil to prevent skin irritation before applying to burns, or if you've already patch tested, you can use it directly on the burn. Beware of allergies if you have not patch tested!
• Aloe Vera: A well known natural remedy for burns and irritated skin- use aloe vera to support burned skin and prevent irritation. 
  
• Avoid Irritants: Don't apply butter, ice directly on the burn, or break blisters as this can worsen the injury

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care:

• Burns covering a large area of the body or affecting sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
• Any third-degree burn.
• Burns accompanied by signs of shock, breathing problems, or loss of consciousness.
• Chemical or electrical burns.

Prevention in the Workplace:

• Training: Regular training sessions on burn prevention and first aid.
• Equipment: Use of proper protective gear like heat resistant gloves, aprons, lab coats, and safety glasses.
• Environment: Keep work areas free from clutter, maintain equipment, and ensure proper ventilation where chemicals or heat are involved.

Final Thoughts:

Being prepared for burn incidents in the workplace not only leads to quicker, more effective first aid but also contributes to a safer working environment. Remember, while first aid is crucial, professional medical evaluation is often necessary for anything beyond very minor burns. Regular safety drills, awareness, and having a well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference in emergency situations. And of course, prevention of injuries is always the preference! So get your staff trained on proper technique to prevent burns and other injuries, and enjoy a safe workplace!

Need another pair of eyes? We can help!

If you have had a lot of injuries in your workplace lately, we can help by troubleshooting your work process, and working with you to come up with ideas to support your team with safety tools to keep your workplace injury free! 

Disclaimer: Protection All-Ways is not offering medical advice; please consult a medical professional, and provide First Aid Training to staff.