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When an employee suffers a burn in the workplace—whether from a chemical splash, a steam blast, or accidental contact with a hot surface—every second counts. The way your team responds in the first few moments after a burn injury can mean the difference between a minor incident and a life-altering injury.
This article is designed to guide you through the essential emergency first aid procedures for burns. We’ll use simple language, real-life examples, and a step-by-step approach to help every employee act fast and effectively. And since burns are a significant workplace hazard, it's not just a matter of being helpful—it’s a matter of safety compliance and responsibility. That’s why many organizations are turning to structured safety training programs, and understanding IOSH Course fees is a great starting point for those looking to build a safer, more prepared workforce.
Burns can damage skin, tissue, muscles, and even bones depending on their severity. They also come with a high risk of infection if not treated correctly. In industrial workplaces, restaurants, laboratories, and construction sites, the threat of burns is always present.
Imagine this: A maintenance worker at a manufacturing plant accidentally touches a pipe that was recently welded. It looks cool, but it’s still extremely hot. Within seconds, his skin blisters. If nearby coworkers panic or don’t know what to do, valuable minutes are lost—and his recovery might become much harder.
Before we go into treatment, let’s quickly identify the types of burns you might encounter:
These come from contact with heat sources like hot liquids, steam, flames, or heated metal. Most workplace burns fall under this category.
Caused by strong acids, alkalis, or solvents—common in laboratories, cleaning stations, and production facilities.
Occur when the body comes into contact with an electric current. They may cause internal injuries that aren’t visible at first glance.
Usually rare but possible with prolonged exposure to UV lamps or certain industrial equipment.
Knowing what type of burn you're dealing with will help you apply the correct first aid—but when in doubt, follow emergency protocols and call for medical help.
For employees working in industries with burn hazards, safety training is a must. Many employers invest in certifications like the IOSH Course, which teaches practical hazard response, including first aid essentials. If you're in Pakistan, you'll find that IOSH Course fees vary depending on the institute, course format, and location—but they’re a small price to pay for life-saving knowledge.
Now, let’s walk through what your employees should do immediately after a burn occurs.
The very first priority is to remove the source of the burn. That might mean:
Taking the victim away from the fire or hot surface
Removing soaked clothing if a chemical is involved
Switching off electrical sources (ensure it’s safe to touch)
Remember: Don’t remove clothing stuck to the burn—it could make the injury worse.
Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. This:
Stops the burning process
Reduces swelling and pain
Lowers the risk of tissue damage
Never use ice, butter, or toothpaste. These home remedies can make things worse.
As burns swell, items like rings or bracelets can become tourniquets. Remove them gently while the area is still cool and before it swells.
Use a clean, dry, non-stick bandage or plastic wrap. This protects the wound from air and dirt while the injured person is transported.
Avoid cotton wool—it can stick to the wound and cause more pain.
Burn victims may go into shock, especially if the burn is large or painful. Keep them warm and talking, and monitor for signs like:
Pale or clammy skin
Rapid breathing
Weak pulse
If any of these signs appear, call emergency services immediately.
While minor burns can be handled at work, you must seek professional help if:
The burn is bigger than the palm of the hand
It’s on the face, hands, joints, or genitals
It looks white, charred, or leathery
The person is a child or elderly
It was caused by chemicals or electricity
Proper preparation saves lives. Here's what employers should do:
Make sure each kit contains:
Burn dressings
Sterile gauze
Cold packs
Non-stick pads
Burn relief gels
Including burn response in workplace first aid training gives employees the confidence to act under pressure.
Simulate burn incidents so teams know how to respond, communicate, and escalate situations properly.
Install accessible water taps or eye wash stations in areas prone to burn hazards.
At a commercial kitchen in Lahore, a chef accidentally spilled boiling oil on his arm. His coworker immediately ran the injury under cool water, covered it with a clean cloth, and contacted emergency services. Thanks to their quick and correct actions, the chef only suffered first-degree burns and was back to work in a week.
This quick-thinking coworker had just completed an IOSH-certified safety course two weeks earlier.
Don’t forget: burns can be traumatic. Emotional support matters just as much as physical aid.
Offer reassurance
Avoid blame or panic
Give them space to speak once they’re calm
Having an employee assistance program (EAP) or mental health support available can help with recovery.
Burns don’t exist in isolation—they’re part of the broader category of workplace hazards. Including burn-related training and procedures in your hazard assessments, emergency plans, and safety manuals is essential.
Workplaces that ignore burn safety are gambling with people’s lives, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
If your workplace has hazards like hot machinery, chemicals, or electrical components, it's time to act. Consider enrolling your team in an IOSH-certified safety program. Understanding burns, as well as other common injuries, can significantly reduce workplace accidents.
Read more about [IOSH Course duration and fee] to get your workforce prepared today.
Burns are among the most painful and damaging workplace injuries. But with the right knowledge and fast response, employees can make a huge difference in recovery. By educating your team, stocking the right supplies, and building clear procedures, your workplace becomes not only compliant—but truly safe.
