Work-related burn injuries in Ontario, Canada: has anything changed in the last 10 years?

Many burn injuries occur in the workplace. Previous research from this institution 10 years ago analyzed the incidence and nature of occupation-related burns admitted to our facility.

To compare the current incidence and patterns of work-related burn injuries treated at our adult regional burn center (Current group) with the findings of a similar study 10 years ago (Early group).

Retrospective study of all burn center admissions between 5 December 1998 and 31 December 2000 was completed. The data from the Early and Current groups was analyzed using the Chi-square test of homogeneity.

During the study period, 355 patients were hospitalized. After exclusions, 100 occupational burn cases were identified (28%). The mean age of patients was 39+/-12 years, 90% were male. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burn was 11+/-13.7%. The most common mechanism of burn was electrical (32%), followed by flame (22%), scald (17%), tar (14%), contact (8%), and chemical (7%). Four patients (4%) died of their injuries. There were no significant differences between the Current group and the Early group in terms of incidence, age, gender, occupation, mechanism of burn, or mortality.

In the past 10 years no change was found in the incidence or pattern of work-related burn injuries treated at this institution. This suggests that existing prevention strategies have not been effective.