Too often, the risks associated with hot water and steam remain underestimated. Scalds can be serious injuries, resulting in a range of outcomes such as pain, infection, surgery, disfigurement, disability and fatality. Scalds can also have far-reaching effects on the families and coworkers of the victims. As Jeffrey Shupp (2017), Director of the MedStar Washington Hospital Burn Center, says, "The emotional trauma caused by any burn can affect all parts of a person's life: put stress on relationships, lead to depression or substance abuse, and even put additional strain on their physical health." Yet scalds remain preventable injuries, provided that measures are taken to anticipate their occurrence and plan accordingly. No matter what the industry, awareness, risk assessment and effective control can dramatically reduce the risk of scalds in the workplace. Our workers and their families deserve no less.
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