Prevent burns at home, in the workplace

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is reminding Ohioans of all ages to take simple steps to prevent burn injuries during National Burn Awareness Week, which runs Feb. 2-8. This year's theme, Preventing Burns in the Workplace, focuses on ways to reduce risks in environments where hot surfaces, chemicals, and electrical hazards are common. There were just under 33,000 burn cases reported from 114 burn centers across the U.S. in 2024, according to the American Burn Association's 2024 Burn Injury Summary Report. In addition, the association found that 46% of burns were caused by flames, 61% of incidents happened at private residences and 32% of incidents occurred during the weekend. The majority of burns impacting children involved scalding. "Preventing burns and injuries doesn't require complicated steps, just awareness of your surroundings and good safety habits," state fire marshal Kevin Reardon said. "Whether you're at work or home, taking precautions can prevent both minor and major burn injuries, as well as potentially save your life or someone you love." Stay safe Burn-related injuries can happen in just seconds, and severe injuries often result in lifelong consequences. While workplaces are a key focus during this year's Burn Awareness Week, basic safety tips also apply at home and during everyday activities. Here are some burn prevention tips for at work and at home: • Wear protective gear • Use gloves, aprons, safety glasses and flame-resistant clothing whenever working with heat or chemicals • Turn pot handles inward when cooking; This can prevent someone from accidentally bumping into a pan or pot while cooking, or a child or pet from grabbing it. • Handle hot liquids safely • Open lids away from your face • Never leave hot items unattended • Inspect equipment regularly • Check cords, tools and machinery for damage before use • Be prepared for emergencies; Know where fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are located and practice fire escape plans routinely. • Seek emergency attention if necessary; If you experience a severe burn, immediately call 911. Treat it yourself If you experience a burn injury that is less serious, the Mayo Clinic suggests taking the following steps: • Cool the burn; Hold the area under cool, not cold, running water for 10 to 20 minutes. If this isn't possible or if the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, put a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes. • Remove rings or other tight items; Try to do this quickly and gently, before the burned area swells. • Apply lotion; After the burn is cooled, apply a lotion such as one with aloe vera or cocoa butter. This helps prevent drying and provides relief. • Bandage the burn; Cover the burn with a clean bandage and wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. • If needed, take a pain reliever. Pain medicine you can buy without a prescription can help lessen pain. Every workplace, from kitchens to construction sites, presents potential burn risks, which is why it's important for Ohioans to keep these safety tips in mind. These small, simple actions can help reduce injuries and keep individuals and teams safe.