Burn Prevention in the Construction Industry: Protecting Workers from a Common but Overlooked Hazard

Burns are an underestimated hazard on construction sites, yet they occur more frequently than many realize. From contact with hot surfaces or steam to electrical arcs, chemicals, and sun exposure, the risk of burns is present in nearly every phase of a project. Preventing these injuries requires awareness, proper training, and consistent safety practices across the jobsite.

Understanding the Types of Burns

Construction workers can be exposed to a variety of burn hazards. Thermal burns result from contact with hot surfaces, open flames, welding sparks, or steam. Thermal burns often result in swelling, pain, and blisters in mild cases, to charring and loss of sensation in critical cases. Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with caustic substances like concrete, adhesives, or industrial cleaners. Unlike other burns, chemical burns can happen when caustic substances are ingested or inhaled, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing up blood, or tissue necrosis. Electrical burns, often the most severe, occur when a worker comes into contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment. Electrical burns cause substantial subdermal damage and have a demonstrated mortality rate of 3 to 5 percent. Even mild sunburns, while less severe than other forms, can cause long-term skin damage and increase heat-stress risks for exposed workers.

Recognizing these hazards helps workers stay alert and better prepared to avoid injury.

Site Controls and Safe Work Practices

Effective burn prevention starts with strong housekeeping practices. Keeping walkways clear of hot tools, spilled chemicals, and exposed wiring to reduce accidental contact. Designate specific areas for welding, cutting, or soldering to help control worker exposure to sparks and hot materials. Implement clear signage and barriers around hot equipment or curing materials to provide an additional level of protection and awareness.

Training workers to identify risk areas, such as recently welded surfaces or fresh asphalt, ensures no one is caught off guard. Additionally, proper chemical storage and labeling are critical. Workers should always know what they’re handling and the precautions required.

The Importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing the correct PPE dramatically lowers the risk of burns. Flame-resistant clothing, insulated gloves, face shields, and welding jackets protect against thermal and electrical hazards. Safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves defend against splashes that could cause severe skin or eye injuries. But PPE is only effective when used correctly. Training should emphasize proper fit, maintenance, and regular inspection to replace damaged gear.

Safe Handling of Tools, Equipment, and Chemicals

Many burns occur during routine tasks such as handling hot tools, mixing concrete additives, or working near energized circuits. Workers must be trained to check equipment before use, de-energize circuits when possible, and follow chemical handling guidelines. Emergency washing stations or eyewash units should be readily accessible wherever chemicals are stored or used.

Creating a Culture of Prevention

Burn prevention is most effective when everyone on the site takes responsibility for safety. Encouraging workers to report hazards, clean up spills promptly, and communicate about hot surfaces or chemical use fosters a safer environment for all workers. With proper awareness, training, and teamwork, burn injuries can be significantly reduced, keeping workers safe and projects running smoothly.