Preventing Workplace Burns: How Proactive Safety Measures Save Lives and Costs

Every year, during the first week of February, National Burn Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the critical issue of burn injuries and the importance of prevention. As an initiative of the American Burn Association, this campaign aims to help mitigate the risks of burns, which impact over 398,000 individuals annually in the United States. 

With workplace burns costing U.S. businesses over $2 billion annually, now is the time to implement risk-management strategies that make workplaces safer. Businesses that invest in safety programs tend to experience fewer incidents and reduced costs while enhancing employee well-being. 

At Safety Plus, we’re here to provide the tools, training, and compliance support you need to create safer, healthier workplaces. In this article, we outline the most common types of workplace burns, their associated costs, and strategies to prevent workplace burns and protect your workforce.

Common Workplace Burn Risks

Workplace burns occur in various ways, depending on the industry and work environment. While manufacturing, construction, and food services report the highest number of burn-related accidents, companies of all kinds should understand their risk exposures. Below are four of the most common types of burns that can occur in a workplace setting. 

Thermal Burns 

Also called scalding burns, thermal burns are caused by open flames, steam, hot liquids or objects, explosions, or hot surfaces. For example, a restaurant worker may experience a thermal burn due to handling boiling liquids or hot ovens, or a welder may get burned while working with extreme temperatures.

Chemical Burns

People who work in laboratories, industrial facilities, or cleaning services face a higher risk of chemical burns. These burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with hazardous substances, such as industrial cleaners or laboratory substances. 

Electrical Burns

Employees who encounter live wires, exposed circuits, or faulty electrical equipment are at a higher risk of electrical burns. Electricians, maintenance workers, and people in industrial settings who work around high-voltage areas or machinery are especially vulnerable.

Radiation Burns

Also called sun exposure burns, radiation burns can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. They can also happen as a result of welding operations or contact with medical radiation equipment.

The Cost of Workplace Burn Injuries

Workplace burns not only compromise worker safety and health but also can have financial and operational consequences for businesses. The costs extend well beyond the injured worker, impacting a company’s bottom line.

• Lost productivity: Employees who suffer burns often require extended recovery periods before returning to work. Research shows that some employees never return to work after a burn or experience lower productivity when they do, due to physical limitations, chronic pain, or psychological distress.
• High medical costs: Treatment for burns, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation, can be thousands of dollars.
• Insurance premium increases: Frequent workplace injuries drive up workers’ compensation costs and insurance premiums.
• OSHA fines and reputational damage: Companies that fail to address burn hazards may face fines and damage to their reputations.

With OSHA compliance costs on the rise in 2025 and fines exceeding $16,000 per violation, companies can’t afford to overlook the importance of security measures and worker safety. Businesses that partner with Safety Plus benefit from an average Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 0.81, helping them lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Additionally, 53% of OSHA interventions implemented for Safety Plus customers result in $0 fines, and 36% receive no citations at all.

How Safety Plus Helps Businesses Prevent Burn Injuries

A proactive approach to workplace safety can prevent common burns and reduce overall costs. Safety Plus provides businesses with the tools and processes they need to manage risks, ensure compliance, and improve overall workplace safety.

Comprehensive Safety Management System

With our customizable safety platform, businesses can upload, manage, and share fire safety policies that meet their specific needs. Real-time hazard reporting enables employees to report hazards immediately, allowing companies to address burn risks before they cause injuries. Meanwhile, mock OSHA inspections help businesses identify and resolve safety risks before an official audit.

Safety Training and Compliance Support

Employees can access over 70 mobile-friendly safety training courses covering fire safety, chemical handling, and emergency response. An engaging and accessible video training library makes it easy for employees to receive burn prevention education from any internet-connected device. Safety Plus also provides regulatory compliance assistance, helping businesses meet OSHA, MSHA, and USDOT safety standards and reduce the risk of violations and penalties.

Proactive Risk Reduction and Cost Savings

With custom hazard assessments, businesses can quickly identify workplace burn risks and implement proactive safety measures. Targeted training and compliance initiatives minimize workplace injuries and prevent costly claims. By simplifying safety processes, businesses can reduce workplace disruptions and operational downtime.

Protect Your Workforce With Safety Plus

With the right safety measures in place, including safety management systems, safety training, and personal protective equipment, companies in all industries can prevent common workplace burns. By investing in training and compliance tools and prioritizing workplace safety, they can create safer workplaces while reducing financial and legal liabilities.

As we observe National Burn Awareness Week, take advantage of this opportunity to build a safer, more compliant work environment. Contact us to learn how we can help safeguard your workforce and contain costs.