How To Respond to Burns in the Workplace

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Apply a sterile gauze bandage

A fire safety plan is an essential for business owners, and part of that plan must include how to response when fire damage directly affects a staff member or a customer. Are you prepared to treat burns and administer first aid? Take a look at important steps for preventing injuries and an overview of the appropriate treatment steps.

Prevent Burns

The best scenario is to avoid using the burn first kit altogether. Use the following tips to decrease the possibility of fire in your workplace. Prevention starts by recognizing the three most common workplace burns:

• Thermal (heat)
  
• Chemical
  
• Electrical
  
  

Preventing burns starts with compliance with OSHA standards and MSDS safety protocols. The next step is to train employees according to your company safety plan. Finally, consistently maintain building safety systems and reinforce safe behaviors in your employees.

Contact Emergency Services

When fire damage affects the building, one of your first steps should be to contact emergency personnel and fire remediation and reconstruction experts. The same is true when an employee or customer is injured; immediately contact emergency medical professionals. With paramedics or EMTs on the way, it's time to implement some basic burn first aid.

Treat Minor Burns

Minor burns can usually be treated simply and without medical help:

1. Cool the burned area.
   
2. Remove jewelry and other tight items before swelling sets in.
   
3. Leave blisters alone.
   
4. Treat the area with a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera.
   
5. Apply a sterile gauze bandage.
   
   

Treat Major Burns

Major burns require more attention. While waiting for the medical technicians to arrive, take the following steps:

Move the burned individual away from further harm.
Check for breathing. If the person isn't breathing, begin rescue breathing as appropriate.
Remove jewelry, belts, and other tight items before the person begins swelling.
Cool the burned area with a moist cloth or bandage.
Elevate the affected body parts above heart level.
Don't submerge large burns in water.

Hopefully, your Oklahoma City, OK, business won't be affected by fire. However, it's best to take steps to reduce the possibility of fire damage and prepare for the worst with appropriate first aid training.