A burn injury at work can be painful, traumatic and sometimes even life-changing. Whether you were scalded in a kitchen, exposed to chemicals or burned by faulty equipment, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. If this happened to you, you could have the right to make a workplace burn injury claim.
Employers have a legal duty to protect you by providing proper training, safety equipment and a safe working environment. When they fail in that duty, you could be entitled to compensation.
At Express Solicitors, we’ve helped many people in your position claim the compensation they deserve.
What causes workplace burn injuries?
Burns can happen in any workplace, but they’re especially common in high-risk environments like kitchens, factories, construction sites and laboratories. From hot surfaces to chemical spills, electrical faults to inadequate protective gear, there are many ways injuries can occur.
Understanding the cause of your injury is key to building a strong claim. Different roles carry different risks, but employers have a legal responsibility to manage them all. These are some of the most common causes of workplace burns:
Hot surfaces and tools
In kitchens, factories and workshops, heat is a constant hazard. You might be burned by:
- Ovens, stoves or grills
- Industrial machinery or heated tools
- Steam, boiling water or hot oil
These injuries often happen when safety procedures aren’t followed, or equipment isn’t maintained properly, making a hot surface burn work compensation claim possible.
Chemical and hazardous agents
Chemical burns can be extremely serious. They often occur in cleaning, laboratory or industrial roles where workers are exposed to:
- Cleaning agents
- Industrial chemicals.
- Acids or alkalis
Employers must follow COSHH regulations, which require safe handling, labelling and storage. If they fail, you could have a chemical burn work injury claim.
Electricity
Electrical burns can be life-altering. Risks are higher in construction, maintenance and technical jobs where workers might encounter:
- Exposed or faulty wiring
- Damaged electrical tools
- Poorly maintained power sources
Lack of training or faulty gear can lead to serious harm and clear employer negligence.
Poor PPE and training
Many burns happen because workers don’t have the right protection or instruction. Employers are legally required to provide:
- Suitable PPE like gloves, aprons or visors
- Proper health and safety training
If this is missing or inadequate, it might show workplace PPE failure and a breach of your employer’s duty of care.
Is your employer responsible for preventing burns at work?
Your employer has a legal duty of care to keep you safe at work. That includes protecting you from the risk of burn injuries.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harm. That means providing proper training, maintaining equipment, supplying suitable PPE, and following safety regulations like COSHH. If you were burned at work due to any of the following reasons:
- You weren’t trained properly
- The equipment was faulty or poorly maintained
- Protective gear wasn’t provided
- Chemicals weren’t stored or labelled correctly
Your employer may have acted negligently. You are not to blame for their failings and you have the right to seek compensation.
Steps to take after a workplace burn
If you’ve suffered a burn at work, it’s important to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you need to do next:
- Get medical attention — Your wellbeing comes first. Even if the burn seems minor, get it checked by a medical professional.
- Report the incident — Tell your manager or supervisor as soon as possible. Make sure the injury is recorded in your workplace accident book.
- Gather evidence — Take photos of your injury, the scene, and any faulty equipment. If colleagues saw what happened, ask for their contact details.
- Keep records — Hold on to any medical notes, expenses or correspondence related to your injury. This can help support your claim.
- Speak to a solicitor — Contact Express Solicitors for free, expert advice. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options clearly.
Make a claim with Express Solicitors
Burn injuries can have a lasting impact on your life and compensation is designed to reflect that. When you make a workplace burn injury claim, your settlement will typically include:
- General damages — For pain, suffering and the emotional impact of your injury.
- Special damages — For financial losses like medical costs, lost income and travel to appointments.
At Express Solicitors, we’ll guide you through every step. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost and nothing to pay unless your claim is successful.
Our team will take care of the legal process, from collecting evidence to negotiating your settlement. We’ll explain everything and keep you informed at every stage. Get in touch for expert advice with no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a claim if I had incorrect training or PPE?
If your employer failed to provide proper training or protective gear, they could be legally responsible for your injury.
Do I need a doctor’s report to make a claim?
Medical evidence is essential to support your claim and calculate how much compensation you could be entitled to.
Can I claim for psychological trauma?
You can claim for emotional distress or psychological harm under general damages, especially in serious burn cases.
Can I claim for loss of earnings?
If your injury caused you to take time off work or affected your income, you might be able to claim for those losses as special damages.