For some workers their jobs put them at a greater risk of encountering an injury, such as a burn or laceration, which is a deeper and often more problematic wound. Both can lead to temporary or permanent scarring that if the person is fortunate, will cause little more than a period of discomfort but they will be able to carry on as normal.

Where it can be proved that an employer’s negligence has resulted in avoidable injury, those affected will be entitled to make a burns, scars and lacerations at work claim for compensation.

There are numerous circumstances which have the potential to cause either burns or scars, and more often than not they are caused by a breach of health and safety precautions.

Failure to clearly label hazardous chemicals or storing them carelessly is an accident waiting to happen. Meanwhile, leaving sharp edges or points exposed around the workplace, and machine blades unguarded can be highly dangerous.

Lacerations are medically defined as a ‘wound that is produced by the tearing of soft body tissue’ and tends to be ‘irregular and jagged’. The most common cause of these injuries are blades, whether from a piece of moving machinery or a kitchen knife and can also occur as the result of a fall or trip, such as into an exposed area.

Burns have a variety of causes, such as scalding from hot or cold liquids, chemicals, electrical burns and open flames. Within the workplace these can occur from: contact with hot pipes or radiators that are not properly insulated, water tanks which are set at too high a temperature, chemicals that are not clearly labelled as hazardous or by staff not being supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Scarring will occur as the skin’s natural reaction to trauma but not every injury will scar the same. A common complication of burn scars are keloids and hypertrophic scarring, which are two forms of raised scar.

Employers are subject to several legal obligations to reduce the risk of personal injury to their employees and members of the public.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) stipulates that an assessment should be carried out that concentrates on the hazards and risks in the workplace.

The risk of burns and lacerations can then be controlled by safeguarding practices, such as:

• Carrying out regular risk assessments
• Communicating risks and safety measures to employees
• Thoroughly training staff on health and safety
• Holding regular reviews of the working environment
• Having an appointed first aider and first aid box
• Displaying the Health and Safety Law poster
• Introduce regular breaks during intense work
• Having necessary insurances

Once it can be proven that your accident or injury occurred as a result of the negligence of another party, there will be strong grounds for a compensation claim and we will assist you throughout the entire legal process.

If you have been affected by your employer’s negligence and have suffered from an injury at work our solicitors can help you to make a burns, scars and lacerations at work claim.