Burn injuries don’t just leave physical scars, they can have an effect on confidence and even acceptance in society. The connotations of serious burns can be devastating and will often change lives completely.
One industry that is commonly exposed to the risk of burns is the catering sector.
In Bedfordshire, a catering worker who was preparing an order to serve 500 people at the NEC in Birmingham suffered severe burns when she slipped into an industrial cooking pot containing 50Kg of curry, which she was dragging across the floor.
Employers deny liability
Mrs Bala was alone in the kitchen and unable to climb out of the pot or attract the attention of her colleagues for 10 minutes. She is now unable to work and is seeking damages from her employer, although they are denying liability and health and safety inspectors have found them not to be in breach of their duties.
Her lawyers have presented a case contesting the employer’s defence stating that Mrs Bala had not received adequate health and safety training.
Fish and chip shop worker suffers 20 per cent burns
In Devon, a fish and chip shop worker suffered 20 per cent burns and needed skin grafts after an accident occurred whilst she was emptying oil from a fryer. The hot oil had spilled from an unsuitable barrel onto the floor on which the worker slipped.
Susan Risk spent two months in hospital with burns to her hands, feet and legs. When the case went to court, the employer was found to have failed in its duty to ensure the health and safety of its employees and to make a suitable safety assessment.
Employers have a strict duty of care when it comes to the health and safety of employees. The catering industry clearly poses great risks, especially when it comes to burn accidents.
At Stephensons we have specialist injury claim solicitors on our team who deal specifically with accidents at work involving burns. We also have extensive experience and success in contesting even the most rigid of defence cases. You can speak to us in complete confidence by calling 01616 966 229.
By personal injury solicitor and Stephensons’ Partner, Kate Sweeney
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