Lawford Kidd's Blog

A Scottish Firm located in Moray, Scotland has been fined £6,666 following one of its employees being burned in a flash fire.

The employee who was aged 49 at the time of the incident, was burned as he opened the door to a shed where a pressure washer was kept. Upon opening the door, the smoke inside ignited which quickly burned the employee. He had approached said shed after seeing smoke escaping.

In the coming weeks, the focus will very much be on assessing and controlling the risks of fires and explosions in the workplace thanks to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health's (IOSH).

The organisation has arranged an event – namely, Fire and Explosion - Controlling Dangerous Substances' - aimed at helping health professionals, particularly in the chemical process industry, minimise the risks of fires and explosions.

A recent article from the Irish Injuries Board has highlighted the risks to workers of injuries from burns and scalds.

Ireland sees an increase in burn injuries

In Ireland, the Injuries Board is the state body responsible for processing personal injury claims. It conducted a piece of research and found that in the past two years alone, the number of compensation awards made for burn or scald injuries had increased by a third.

In 2011, 28 workers received compensation after being burned or scalded in the course of their work. In 2012, this figure had risen to 42. The Board highlights how painful these injuries can be, and that they can be the cause of great suffering and hardship for the injured workers.