Vancouver, BC – Burn Awareness Week runs from February 1-7, 2026, shining a spotlight on how preventable burn injuries remain a serious risk in the workplace. This year’s international theme, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace,” focuses on the simple, proactive steps that can dramatically reduce injuries on the job.
To mark Burn Awareness Week, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund has partnered with the Langford Fire Fighters, Local 2848 to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at educating workers and employers across British Columbia on practical burn-prevention strategies.
“Burns can happen in a split second, but most are preventable,” says Todd Schierling, President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. “Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, food service, healthcare, or an office environment, awareness and preparation can mean the difference between a close call and a life-changing injury.”
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.
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.
Throughout Burn Awareness Week, the Burn Fund and Langford Fire Fighters will share educational resources, safety reminders, and prevention messaging designed to reach workers, families, and communities across the province.
“Burn prevention is not about fear. It’s about foresight,” adds Todd Schierling. “When we build safer habits at work, those habits carry into our homes and communities.”
For more information about Burn Awareness Week or burn prevention education, follow our social media channels throughout the week.
