2026 Theme
Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace
The theme for Burn Awareness Week 2026 is Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace. The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is dedicated to raising awareness about burn prevention and safety in the home. Workplace burns are not limited to fires. They can be caused by hot liquids, steam, chemicals, electricity, friction, or equipment failures. Burn Awareness Week encourages employers and workers alike to slow down, assess risks, and make safety part of daily routines. By empowering workers with knowledge, we can reduce burn injuries and keep everyone safe.
Top 5 Burn Prevention Tips for the Workplace
1. Wear Protective Gear: Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, helmets, eye protection, or flame-resistant clothing when handling hot surfaces, chemicals, or machinery.
2. Handle Heat Safely: Monitor hot oil, boiling liquids, ovens, and industrial equipment. Open lids away from your face, use proper tools, and never leave heat sources unattended.
3. Inspect and Maintain Equipment: Regularly check cords, tools, vehicles, and machinery for damage or overheating. Follow safety protocols and lock-out procedures during maintenance.
4. Control Flammables: Store fuels, chemicals, and combustible materials properly. Keep them away from heat sources and eliminate sparks or open flames where flammable materials are present.
5. Know Emergency Procedures: Ensure fire extinguishers and first aid kits are accessible. Know exit routes, report hazards immediately, and practice emergency drills regularly.
Learn more about preventing burns
Each year at BC Children’s Hospital there are more than 1,000 burn-related visits for both treatment and follow-up appointments. Children with burn injuries require specialized care and a highly trained team of experts to not only treat the physical injuries but also to care for the emotional well-being of both the patient and the family.
Burns happen in seconds and they can be quite severe. Scalds are the most common burn injury in children and adults and often happen in the home environment with hot liquids such as coffee or tea. The majority of scalds are preventable.
The Burn Fund has created a free Too Hot for Tots e-learning course that is available to anyone who would like to learn more about scald prevention. Especially relevant to those with toddlers in their lives, this course offers an informative and interactive learning experience in just 30 minutes. Learn from BC Children’s Hospital Burn Director, Dr. Sally Hynes and hear personal stories from burn survivors and their families. The course can be accessed by clicking the play button above.
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