Fires and explosions pose high burn injury risks in oil fields

Oil field workers in Texas face an endless list of injury risks. Some of the most significant safety concerns in this industry involve
fires and explosions, causing burn injuries. An essential part of prevention is proper flame-resistant clothing.

The types of burn injuries vary, and also the severity. There are three different classifications of burn injuries.

First degree burns

These are the least severe type of burn injuries. They cause a red burn site that is painful but dry. It affects only the most outer layer of the skin without causing blisters. These burn injuries can be compared to a mild sunburn and typically cause no long-term consequences.

Second degree burns

When the burn affects both the skin’s outer and inner layer, it is classified as second degree. The wound will be red and swollen with blisters, and it will be painful.

Third degree burns

These burns are severe. They destroy both the outer and inner skin layers and could be deep enough to damage the subcutaneous tissue, containing fat and connective tissue that holds blood vessels. Third-degree burns typically cause a wound that appears white or charred.

Understanding the different types of burns is essential because the severity will determine the type of treatment required. For example, third-degree burns typically need critical care, but if the nerve endings are destroyed, the victim might not feel the pain and regard it as a second or first-degree burn. Failing to treat third-degree burns promptly could leave the victim disfigured and permanently scarred. Workers in the Texas oil fields may be eligible for
workers’ compensation
benefits. However, if a third party was responsible for the fire or explosion, burn victims might have grounds to file personal injury lawsuits in a civil court.