How To Treat Burns in the Workplace

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Once everyone is out of the building, administer any necessary burn first aid

You hope that your commercial property in Clearwater, MN, never sustains fire damage. Unfortunately, fires can occur without warning.
Since fires frequently take place when workers are present, you need to prepare your employees accordingly. You should thus create an emergency kit. You and your employees should also learn basic first aid. Everyone in your building should know these basic tips for treating burns in the workplace.

Identifying the Burn

First, you must determine if the burn is major or minor. A major burn:

• Makes the skin look leathery and dry
  
• Covers the feet, groin, face, hands or buttocks, or is at least three inches in diameter
  
• May have brown, black or white patches
  
• Appears deep
  
  

A minor burn, meanwhile, is typically red or blistered. It can be painful but may not require emergency care.

Treating Major Burns
If one of your workers suffers a major burn while escaping the fire damage, you need to cover the burn with a clean, cool cloth or bandage. Elevate the burned area and remove any restrictive items such as belts or jewelry. Make sure the employee is breathing well, as shallow breaths could be a sign of shock. Finally, avoid immersing large severe burns in water, as this increases the risk of hypothermia.

Treating Minor Burns
Minor burns should still be addressed immediately. Put a wet compress on the burn or hold the burned area under cool water. Then apply a lotion with moisturizer or aloe vera. Finish by covering the burn with a gauze bandage. Do not wrap the bandage too tightly. Otherwise, you may put excess pressure on the burn.
Keeping your workers safe should be a top priority during and after a fire. Once everyone is out of the building, administer any necessary burn first aid. Then make sure that the employees stay away from the property until the first responders or fire damage restoration professionals say it is safe to re-enter.