Citation

Reichard AA, Konda S, Jackson LL. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2015; 58(3): 290-298.

Affiliation

Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.22407

PMID

25678457

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite reported declines, occupational burn injuries remain a workplace safety concern. More severe burns may result in costly medical treatment and long-term physical and psychological consequences.

METHODS: We used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-Occupational Supplement to produce national estimates of burns treated in emergency departments (EDs). We analyzed data trends from 1999 to 2008 and provided detailed descriptions of 2008 data.

RESULTS: From 1999 to 2008 there were 1,132,000 (95% CI: ±192,300) nonfatal occupational burns treated in EDs. Burn numbers and rates declined approximately 40% over the 10 years. In 2008, men and younger workers 15-24 years old had the highest rates. Scalds and thermal burns accounted for more than 60% of burns. Accommodation and food service, manufacturing, and construction industries had the largest number of burns.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite declining burn rates, emphasis is needed on reducing burn hazards to young food service workers and using job specific hazard analyses to prevent burns. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:290-298, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en