Have You Suffered from a Burn Injury whilst at Work? What You should Know to Help Your Claim
Everyone knows how painful a burn or scald injury can be – whether you get it at home whilst working in your kitchen, from handling faulty electrical equipment, or from being exposed to hot surfaces or liquids whilst at work. But somehow, burn injuries in the workplace tend to be more emotionally and mentally painful, simply because you have the knowledge that somebody else might be to blame. If your employer did not show enough due diligence when it comes to safety, resulting in your burn or scald injury, then knowing that they owe you compensation can have an emotional and mental effect – especially if they give you difficulty with the compensation you deserve.
Burn injuries in the workplace: the basic facts
When you are in the workplace, it is your employer’s duty to make sure that your work environment is safe. And, no matter what type of workplace environment you are in, whether you are at a construction or industrial site or a corporate environment such as an office, your employer is required to make sure you are safe from burn or scald injuries. After all, even if you work in an office, you are still at risk from burn or scald injuries due to faulty electronic appliances or equipment, or even from hot beverages or hot surfaces.
What if there is greater risk?
Your employer’s responsibilities become even more serious and extensive if there is an increased risk of fire or burn accidents in the workplace environment you are in. If you work in a risky environment, your employer should provide you with the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) or safety gear. This would include equipment such as masks and respirators, overalls, safety footwear, goggles, helmets, high-visibility clothing, and harnesses.
Another duty and responsibility of your employer is to provide you with the right training on health and safety (such as how to keep yourself safe and what procedures to follow in case of emergency). The tools, machinery, and other equipment you use in the workplace should also be well-maintained and not faulty, as machines and equipment can lead to burning and scalding in the workplace as well.
In addition, employers are under obligation to make sure that you are working in an environment which is hazard-free. If, for example, you are working in an office and the hallway carpet is damaged, this could lead to burning or scalding if you trip or fall whilst carrying a hot item or object.
Helping your claim
You can help your burn injury claim if your accident is immediately reported to the people in charge. The accident should be noted in the company’s accident book, and you should see a medical specialist as soon as possible as well.
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