How to Handle Burns and Scalds in the Workplace

How to Handle Burns and Scalds in the Workplace

Burns and scalds are serious workplace injuries that can occur unexpectedly, even in office environments. From accidents involving hot drinks to electrical mishaps, it’s essential that employees are prepared to act quickly to prevent further harm. In this blog, we’ll discuss the types of burns, how to treat them, and how to ensure your workplace is ready to handle these situations.

Understanding Burn Severity

Burns are classified into three main categories based on their depth and severity. The traditional terminology of first, second, and third-degree burns has evolved to more descriptive terms and avoids confusion:

  • Superficial Thickness Burns (formerly known as First-Degree Burns)
  • Partial Thickness Burns (formerly known as Second-Degree Burns)
  • Full Thickness Burns (formerly known as Third-Degree Burns)

Each type of burn requires a different treatment approach, which we will cover in detail. Understanding these categories is critical for appropriate first aid responses.

Related Reading: Key First Aid Supplies Every Office Should Have

Superficial Thickness Burns (First-Degree Burns)

Superficial thickness burns are the least severe type of burn. These burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and typically cause redness, swelling, and pain. The skin remains intact, and there are no blisters.

Common Causes:

  • Minor scalds from hot liquids
  • Sunburn
  • Brief contact with hot surfaces

Treatment:

  • Cool the burn immediately by running it under cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes. Cooling the burn helps to reduce tissue damage and provides pain relief (NHS Burns and Scalds Guide).
  • Do not apply ice directly to the burn, as it can cause further tissue damage.
  • Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
  • Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol can help with discomfort.

Superficial burns usually heal within a week without scarring, though larger areas should still be monitored for infection.

Related Reading: What to Do in the First Five Minutes of a Workplace Emergency

Partial Thickness Burns (Second-Degree Burns)

Partial thickness burns are more severe and penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying dermis. These burns cause intense pain, swelling, and blisters. The injured area may also appear wet or shiny due to the oozing of fluids.

Common Causes:

  • Hot liquids
  • Contact with fire or flame
  • Chemical burns

Treatment:

  • Cool the burn under running water for at least 20 minutes (NHS Burns and Scalds Guide). This helps to prevent further damage and reduces pain.
  • Do not pop blisters. Blisters help protect the underlying tissue from infection.
  • Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or cling film, which can be loosely applied until professional medical help is available.
  • Seek medical attention for burns that cover a large area or are on sensitive body parts, such as the face or hands.

In workplaces with kitchens, hot equipment, or chemicals, it is essential that employees are well-trained in first aid, as these environments present higher risks for partial thickness burns.

Related Reading: How to Administer CPR: A Step-by-Step Guide

Full Thickness Burns (Third-Degree Burns)

Full thickness burns are the most severe, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially damaging tissues beneath the skin, including muscles and bones. The skin in the affected area may appear charred, white, or leathery. Despite the severity, these burns may not cause immediate pain due to nerve damage.

Common Causes:

  • Direct contact with fire or extreme heat
  • Electrical burns
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals

Treatment:

  • Cool the full thickness burn with water for at least 20minutes.
  • Watch the casualty closely for signs of shock
  • Call emergency services immediately (999 in the UK). These burns require urgent medical intervention (NHS Full Thickness Burns).
  • Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.
  • If the person is experiencing shock (pale, cold, clammy skin), keep them warm by covering them with a blanket and elevate their legs.
  • Cover the burn with a clean, sterile, non-stick dressing or cloth, but do not apply pressure to the wound.

For burns of this severity, immediate professional medical attention is essential to prevent shock, infection and further tissue damage.

How to Handle Scalds in the Workplace

Scalds, typically caused by hot liquids or steam, can range from superficial to full thickness burns depending on the temperature and duration of exposure.

Common Causes:

  • Spilled hot drinks
  • Steam from industrial equipment
  • Hot water taps

Treatment:
The treatment for scalds follows the same procedure as burns:

  1. Cool the affected area with clean, running water for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Remove jewellery or clothing near the burn, but only if it’s not stuck to the skin.
  3. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing, and seek medical advice for larger scalds (NHS First Aid for Scalds).

Preventing Burns and Scalds in the Workplace

Prevention is always better than cure. Consider these proactive steps to minimise the risk of burns and scalds in your workplace:

  • Conduct regular risk assessments: Ensure all hot equipment and substances are properly managed and monitored.
  • Train your employees on first aid procedures for burns and scalds.
  • Provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE): Use gloves, face shields, or other protective equipment where necessary.
  • Implement clear signage: Mark all hot surfaces and equipment clearly to remind employees of potential hazards.

By making safety a priority, you can significantly reduce the risk of burns and scalds in the workplace.

How Frontline Training Can Help

At Frontline Training, we offer comprehensive first aid courses that include burn and scald management as part of our curriculum. Whether it’s superficial thickness burns or full thickness injuries, our First Aid at Work training ensures your team knows how to respond effectively.

We also offer risk assessment consultations to help businesses tailor their first aid provisions, ensuring you have the right equipment and trained personnel in place to handle emergencies. Our courses cover everything from using sterile dressings to administering CPR, helping you ensure compliance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.


Prepare your workplace for any emergency by enrolling in a first aid course with Frontline Training. Book a course today and ensure your team has the skills needed to handle burns and scalds safely and effectively.


How to Create a Culture of Safety in Your Workplace

How to Create a Culture of Safety in Your Workplace

Workplace safety is more than just a set of guidelines or training sessions; it’s an ingrained culture that affects every employee’s actions and decisions. Creating a culture of safety goes beyond compliance with regulations—it involves fostering an environment where safety becomes second nature to everyone on the team, from entry-level employees to upper management.

Building such a culture requires ongoing commitment, communication, and investment in training. This blog will explore the steps employers can take to cultivate a proactive safety culture in their workplaces, the challenges that can arise, and how to overcome them.

What is a Safety Culture?

A culture of safety in the workplace refers to the shared beliefs, practices, and attitudes that employees hold regarding safety. It’s a collective mindset where everyone values safety and understands their role in maintaining a safe environment. In workplaces with a strong safety culture, employees feel responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of their colleagues. They actively participate in safety initiatives, report hazards, and continuously seek ways to improve working conditions.

The Key Elements of a Strong Safety Culture

To create a workplace safety culture, there are several key elements that need to be addressed:

  1. Leadership Commitment
    Safety starts at the top. Management must visibly prioritize safety and demonstrate their commitment through actions, not just words. This includes allocating resources for safety initiatives, providing regular training, and participating in safety audits. Employees are more likely to take safety seriously when they see leadership actively engaged in promoting it.
  2. Employee Involvement
    Engaging employees in the safety process is critical. Encourage them to take ownership of their safety responsibilities by involving them in safety committees, hazard identification, and safety training sessions. When employees feel they have a say in safety matters, they are more likely to adhere to protocols and actively look out for potential hazards.

Related Reading: Top Health and Safety Risks in Different Industries

  1. Ongoing Safety Training
    Training shouldn’t be a one-time event. Regular safety training helps employees stay up to date with the latest safety procedures and reinforces the importance of safety in the workplace. This can include specific training like First Aid at Work, fire safety, or even mental health awareness, depending on your workplace’s specific risks.
  2. Clear Communication
    Open and effective communication is the backbone of a safety culture. Employees need to feel comfortable reporting hazards, near misses, or safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Creating clear lines of communication, such as suggestion boxes, regular safety meetings, or anonymous reporting systems, can encourage proactive reporting of safety issues.
  3. Recognition and Accountability
    Rewarding employees for safe behaviour can boost engagement and reinforce the importance of safety. Recognizing teams or individuals who go above and beyond to ensure workplace safety can motivate others to follow suit. On the flip side, there should also be accountability—when safety rules are violated, there need to be clear consequences.

Related Reading: Common Workplace Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Challenges in Building a Safety Culture

Creating a culture of safety in the workplace doesn’t happen overnight. It can take time, effort, and consistent leadership to embed safety into everyday operations. Here are some common challenges that employers might face, along with suggestions for overcoming them.

Resistance to Change

One of the biggest challenges in establishing a safety culture is overcoming resistance from employees or managers. They may see new safety initiatives as unnecessary or burdensome. In some cases, long-established work habits can be difficult to change, even if they present risks.

The solution is to focus on education and communication. Helping employees understand why new safety measures are being introduced can make them more receptive. For example, explaining how certain protocols have proven to reduce accidents or showing statistics on workplace injuries can help employees see the value in adapting.

Lack of Employee Engagement

If employees feel that safety is just another box to tick, it’s unlikely that they will fully engage. The key to overcoming this is to make safety personal and relevant to each employee. Tailoring safety training to the specific risks of their role or department can make it feel more applicable to their day-to-day work.

Additionally, by involving employees in the creation of safety protocols, they will feel more ownership over the process, making them more likely to adhere to safety practices and actively participate in keeping the workplace safe.

Inconsistent Enforcement of Rules

A safety culture cannot thrive if the rules are applied inconsistently. This includes holding everyone accountable for adhering to safety protocols, from managers down to entry-level staff. If employees see management ignoring safety guidelines, they may feel justified in doing the same.

Ensuring that safety rules are consistently enforced across all levels is critical for maintaining the integrity of the safety culture. There should be no exceptions to safety policies, and everyone should be held to the same standard.

Benefits of a Safety-First Culture

Establishing a culture of safety has numerous benefits, including reducing accidents and improving overall employee morale. Some specific advantages include:

  • Reduced Workplace Injuries
    A strong safety culture helps prevent accidents by identifying and mitigating risks before they result in injury. This not only protects employees but also reduces the financial costs associated with workplace injuries, such as lost productivity and legal fees.
  • Improved Employee Retention
    Employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritises their health and safety. A safe work environment fosters trust, shows that the company cares about its staff, and contributes to a positive workplace culture. All of these factors contribute to improved employee retention.

Related Reading: The Benefits of Health and Safety Training for Employee Retention

  • Increased Productivity
    Employees working in a safe environment are more likely to be productive. A culture of safety reduces downtime caused by accidents or injuries and allows employees to focus on their work without worrying about potential hazards.
  • Lower Insurance Premiums
    Businesses with fewer workplace injuries may benefit from lower insurance premiums. A strong safety record demonstrates to insurers that the company is proactive in managing risks, which can lead to significant savings over time.

How Frontline Training Can Help You Build a Safety Culture

At Frontline Training, we understand that creating a culture of safety is about more than just compliance—it’s about creating an environment where everyone takes responsibility for their safety and the safety of those around them. Our range of health and safety courses is designed to give your employees the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to a safe workplace culture.

We offer comprehensive training, from First Aid at Work to Mental Health First Aid, ensuring that your employees are well-prepared for the risks they might encounter. We also provide consultation services to help you assess your workplace’s unique risks and create a tailored safety plan that meets all legal requirements while fostering a proactive, safety-conscious environment.

With Frontline Training, you’re not just meeting regulatory standards—you’re building a lasting culture of safety that benefits both your employees and your business.

Ready to take the next step? Book a workplace safety course with us, and start building a safer, healthier workplace.