Not only are severe burns painful, they can be debilitating, leaving an employee unable to work for long periods of time.
It’s the employer’s responsibility
According to laws overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every employer is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe workplace. This includes training, ensuring equipment functions properly and that the facilities are in good condition, so that employees do not suffer burns while at work.
Thermal burns are those caused by a heat source, such as open flames or hot liquids. Restaurant workers are particularly at risk for these types of burns. Chemical burns are caused by caustic or corrosive materials which eat away at the skin, like acids. Employees who work for manufacturers can be at high risk for chemical burns. Electrical burns are caused when an employee is subject to a current passing through any portion of their body.
What can a burned employee do?
You do have rights and it’s helpful to consult with an attorney who is experienced in workplace injuries. Louisiana protects workers with workers’ compensation but that coverage is dependent upon insurers, which the employer has contracted to provide coverage for claims. And the fact is, an insurer’s primary concern is not you, the injured worker. They don’t want to pay out any more for claims than they have to.
Considering the fact that burn victims often experience both physical and emotional pain, and for prolonged periods of time, it’s critical that you understand what you’re entitled to receive for your injury. Being unable to work, while at the same time an insurer is trying to save money, will only hurt you more in the long run.