Burns and scalds at work

Burns and scalds are among the most painful and distressing injuries that can occur in the workplace. They can happen in almost any industry, but they are particularly common in environments where employees are exposed to hot surfaces, steam, electrical faults, or fire hazards.

The severity of burns and scalds can range from minor skin damage to life-threatening injuries that require extensive treatment. Even after the initial wounds heal, many people are left with lasting scars, mobility issues, or psychological trauma. Employers have a legal duty to minimise these risks and protect workers from harm. When they fail to do so, injured employees may be entitled to claim compensation.

How burns and scalds happen at work

There are many ways in which workers can suffer burns or scalds in the workplace. Some of the most common include:

• Hot surfaces – contact with machinery, ovens, or industrial equipment that has not been adequately shielded.
• Steam or hot liquids – accidental spills or exposure in kitchens, factories, or chemical plants.
• Electrical faults – burns caused by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or poorly maintained electrical equipment.
• Fire hazards – inadequate fire safety measures leading to accidental fires and flame injuries.
• Chemical burns – contact with corrosive substances in cleaning, manufacturing, or laboratory work.

Most of these accidents are preventable with the right safety systems in place.

Types of burn and scald injuries

The medical profession classifies burns by their severity. At work, employees may experience:

• First-degree burns – affecting only the outer layer of skin, often red and painful but usually healing within a week.
• Second-degree burns – damaging deeper layers of skin, often cause blisters and significant pain.
• Third-degree burns – affecting all layers of skin and sometimes muscles or bones, often require surgery or skin grafts.
• Scalds – caused by hot liquids or steam, leading to blistering and the risk of infection.
• Electrical burns – which can cause internal damage as well as external injuries.
• Chemical burns – resulting from exposure to acids, alkalis, or solvents, with the potential for long-term complications.

Each type of burn requires different treatment and can have different long-term effects on the worker’s health and quality of life.

Employer responsibilities for preventing burns and scalds

Employers are legally required to protect their staff from foreseeable risks, including burns and scalds. Their responsibilities include:

• Carrying out risk assessments to identify potential hazards
• Ensuring all machinery and hot surfaces are guarded or shielded
• Providing protective clothing such as heat-resistant gloves, aprons, and safety footwear
• Training staff in safe handling of hot liquids, chemicals, and electrical equipment
• Installing and maintaining fire safety equipment, including alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers
• Ensuring electrical systems are properly maintained and inspected
• Putting emergency procedures in place for fire or chemical spills

Failure to meet these duties can leave employers liable if a worker is injured as a result.

The impact of burns and scalds

The effects of burns and scalds extend far beyond the initial pain. Many victims face:

• Long recovery times – with surgery, skin grafts, or physiotherapy often required
• Scarring and disfigurement – which may affect self-confidence and mental wellbeing
• Reduced mobility – especially if burns occur on joints such as elbows or knees
• Infections and complications – which can prolong recovery and cause further damage
• Psychological effects – including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress
• Financial pressures – from being unable to work and covering medical expenses

These consequences highlight why compensation is so important. It provides vital support to help workers cope with both the physical and emotional challenges of recovery.

What to do if you suffer a burn or scald at work

If you are injured in a burn or scald accident at work, it is important to act quickly:

1. Seek immediate medical treatment – burns can worsen rapidly if not treated correctly.
2. Report the accident – ensure it is recorded in the workplace accident book.
3. Gather evidence – take photographs of the hazard and your injuries, and note witness details.
4. Keep records of expenses – including lost wages, medical costs, and travel for treatment.
5. Seek legal advice – a solicitor can explain your rights and whether you are entitled to compensation.

These steps protect both your health and your ability to make a successful claim.

Making a compensation claim for burns or scalds

If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, or a failure to provide protective measures, you may be entitled to claim compensation. The value of a claim will depend on factors such as:

• The severity of the burn or scald and recovery time
• The cost of medical treatment and long-term care
• Lost wages and reduced ability to work in the future
• Pain, suffering, and psychological impact
• The need for adaptations at home or work due to scarring or reduced mobility

Compensation ensures that workers are not left to bear the financial burden of injuries that were not their fault.

Why choose Marley Solicitors?

At Marley Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping clients who have suffered burns and scalds at work. We understand how traumatic these injuries can be and the long-term effects they may have on your life.

Our team will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather the necessary evidence, and fight to secure the maximum compensation available. We provide clear, practical guidance throughout the process so that you feel supported at every stage.

Whether your burn was caused by hot surfaces, steam, electrical faults, or fire hazards, Marley Solicitors is here to protect your rights.

Speak to our solicitors today

If you have suffered burns or scald injuries in the workplace, you do not need to deal with the consequences alone. Contact Marley Solicitors today for expert advice and dedicated support. We are here to help you make a claim and secure the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.