What To Know About Burn Hazards and Ways To Prevent Them

Burn injuries are no longer a rare eventuality on a construction site. Every year, several employees suffer from burn-induced injuries. However, most of these accidents are preventable when you take specific measures. You can reduce the risk of burns on your site by having hazard prevention talks, awareness, and protection. Nevertheless, it is essential to look at the types of wounds beforehand:

1. Electrical injuries – from the name, these types of wounds occur due to electrical faults, as current passes through the body. To avoid them, you need to stay clear of high-voltage machinery if you are uncertified to deal with them. It is crucial for workers to put on protective clothing and equipment. Those working on electrical parts and areas should be cautious and avoid any contact with water.

2. Sun exposure burns – you might overshadow this burn easily and claim that it is costly to prevent sun exposure. However, numerous employees, working under the scorching sun, sustain sunburns every day. One of the ways to reduce this is to have employees working under shifts to minimize exposure to harsh rays. They can also wear protective clothing and use sunscreens to reduce the chances of getting burnt.

3. Chemical burns – these types of wounds are one of the fatal variants. They are typical of every construction site and, thus, require special prevention mechanisms. Chemical burns occur when an individual gets into contact with corrosive materials such as alkaloids and potent acids. This usually happens when workers are dealing with industrial cleaners and other workplace chemicals. The best way to handle this issue is to have labels on potential hazards to create awareness in the workplace. In addition, it would help if you provide your workers with a few preventive measures or steps in case any of them fall prey to chemical inflictions.

Besides what is mentioned above, it is also highly advisable that you send your employees for CSOC training. The training can help enhance the safety and security of other workers. Additionally, here are some tips to assist you in maintaining your safety as well as that of your fellow workers: 

1. Wear appropriate clothing 

Never underestimate the power of protective clothing. Depending on the area you are working on, make sure that you put on the proper attire accordingly. 

2. Be keen

Pay attention to hazards and other pieces of information outlined on the construction site. Also, everyone should be aware and take note of one another’s movements and whereabouts. 

3. Follow every rule in the book

Do not ignore any rule you see on a construction site unless you want to place yourself vulnerable to accidents or injuries. Prevention is key.

4. Prepare for accidents 

No one would anticipate having accidents. However, accidents do happen. Therefore, it is very important to know what to do during such times. Every worker should go through proper construction safety courses to learn how to handle accidents if they should occur. It is also crucial for every workplace to possess all the necessary safety equipment. This includes first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, as well as emergency eyewash stations.