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Work related accidents, youclaim.co.uk

Third degree burns and seeking industrial injury compensation

Having a work accident when in close proximity to molten metals can be extremely painful and any resulting loss of earnings during time taken to recover could be stressful. After an accident in the workplace, it may help the victim to seek industrial injury compensation.

Molten metals
The most commonly used metal in the world is iron; other well-used metals are steel, brass, zinc, aluminium and copper. All of their melting points are different, but the temperatures which have to be reached in order to melt any of these metals could seriously harm or even kill someone if they were to come into contact with the metal in its liquid state.

  • Iron melts at 1536 degrees centigrade.

  • Steel's melting point varies since it is an alloy and may have different metals added to it, however, it can melt at 1370 degrees centigrade.

  • Brass will melt at temperatures around 900 degrees centigrade. It is also an alloy so the melting point can vary.

  • Zinc turns to liquid form at a relatively low temperature of 420 degrees centigrade.

  • Aluminium reaches its melting point at 660 degrees centigrade.

  • Copper melts at 1084 degrees centigrade.

Even Zinc's low melting point of 420 degrees centigrade can result in third degree burns. These are the most severe type of burn and damage the whole skin layer, even harming fat, muscles, organs and bones underneath in some cases.

According to Skin Help, third degree burns always leave a scar.

Protection from molten metals
Employers should provide their employees with correct protective clothing for their job. Some important items of clothing to wear whilst working with or near molten metal are as follows:

  • Splash jacket and trousers.

  • Gloves made to withstand thermal hazards.

  • Foundry boots, or other appropriate safety footwear.

If an employer fails to provide its workers with suitable protection from the risks of molten metal-related injury, then they could be found liable if an employee experiences personal injury.

Treating severe burns
Ideally, medical treatment should be sought immediately, but if this is not possible then there are ways to improve the situation before emergency services arrive on scene.

  • Removing any tight fitting clothing or jewellery from around the affected area (but not on the area) might help reduce the possibility of swelling as blood vessels constrict;

  • Placing the burned area in cold water (but not ice) may alleviate some pain. When drying the wound afterwards, a sterile cloth should be used.

  • Keeping the burned area elevated above the heart can help keep blood circulation going;

  • Remaining as still as possible should also help ease some pain.

Third degree burns are extremely serious and the best treatment is always gained by seeking urgent medical attention.

Seeking industrial injury compensation?
If you have suffered third degree burns which were not your fault, you may wish to seek help from one of our no win, no fee solicitors to make an industrial injury compensation claim.

Should your claim be successful, you will receive 100% compensation because we never take a cut of your remuneration.

To see if you could make an industrial injury compensation claim today, simply fill in our short online claim form, talk to one of our advisers on live help or phone on 0800 10 757 95.

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