Occupational burn injuries in Finland 2011-2015

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Burn Injury Epidemiology
• Workplace Safety

Background:

• Work-related burn injuries pose a significant public health concern.
• Understanding injury demographics, causes, and risk factors is crucial for prevention.
• Focus on return-to-work outcomes provides economic and social insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the demographics, causes, and risk factors of occupational burn injuries.
• To analyze the special focus on the outcome of return to work.
• To compare data from a national register with severe burn cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study utilizing two data sources: Finnish Workers' Compensation Center (FWCC) register and National Burn Centre (NBC) admissions.
• Data collected from 2011-2015, covering all hospitalized work-related burn injuries.
• Comparison of demographics, injury mechanisms, and burn severity between the two patient groups.

Main Results:

• 11,623 work-related burn cases recorded in the FWCC register (54% male).
• Younger patients (mean age 37) in FWCC data, primarily in kitchen/bakery roles; older patients (mean age 53) with severe burns in NBC data, in industrial/transport roles.
• Majority of burn injury patients successfully returned to work.

Conclusions:

• Workplace safety has improved, with most occupational burns being minor.
• Young adults in food service face risks for minor burns; older men in industry/transport face risks for severe burns.
• Preventing severe injuries is critical to avoid high retirement and healthcare costs.