Encountering a fire a work can have devastating effects on a person, mentally and physically. A fire can affect a worker’s ability to function at work, in society, and within their families because of emotional stress and physical disfigurements.
Common Fires in the Work Place
Fires can erupt anytime you are at work, and can change your life forever.
- Electrical fires
Can be caused by faulty electrical equipment and appliances, overloaded sockets or short-circuiting appliances and machinery
- Ordinary combustible fires
A fire fueled by wood, rubber, cloth and some plastics
- Flammable liquids and gas fires
Usually caused by gas or natural gas
- Metal fires
A fire fueled by a combustible metal
Permanent Effects of a Fire
Workers who are exposed to a fire at work can experience life changing damages. Victims of fires don’t recover immediately and are usually left with deformities for the remainder of their lives.
- Severe burns on their body
- Anxiety
- Breathing problems
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Uncontrollable swelling
- Mental anguish
- Body disfigurement
- Death
Burns vary depending on the source of the fire and a person’s exposure to the flames.
- 1st degree burns
First degree burns damage the top layer of the skin. They leave the skin pinkish and slightly swollen.
- 2nd degree burns
Second degree burns damage the first 2 layers of the skin and usually cause blistering and leave scars. These burns must be treated right away to avoid an infection.
- 3rd degree burns
These burns completely destroy the layers of skin and damage the inside of the body underneath. These burns are severe and need immediate medical attention to avoid infection, loss of a body part, and even death.
