10 Shocking Burn Injury Statistics Everyone Should Know

Burn injuries remain one of the most overlooked hazards in Canadian workplaces. Despite safety rules and training, thousands of workers still suffer serious burns every year — many of which could have been prevented.

Burn injury statistics show that employers often underestimate both how common and how expensive these injuries are. This is especially true in high-risk jobs like construction, manufacturing, and food service, where exposure to hot surfaces, chemicals, and open flames is a daily risk.

In Canada, more than 9,000 people are hospitalized for burn injuries each year, according to the Canadian Burn Association.

Workplace burns can lead to long-term health problems, weeks or even months away from work, and high workers’ compensation claims.

For some, the outcome is even more tragic — with burn-related fatalities still occurring in industrial accidents and kitchen fires across the country.

What makes these injuries even more concerning is how quickly they can happen. One small mistake, such as not wearing the right protective gear or a brief equipment failure, can lead to serious harm.

That’s why it’s so important for employers and safety managers to understand the real impact burns have — not just on workers, but on business operations too.

In this blog, we’ll break down 10 key burn injury statistics that every Canadian employer should know — facts that highlight the urgency of better safety practices and awareness.

10 Shocking Burn Injury Stats Every Employer Should Know

Burn injuries are more than just painful — they’re expensive, disruptive, and sometimes fatal. These 10 statistics highlight the real-world impact of burns on workers and businesses across Canada and beyond.

While slips and falls or cuts may come to mind first when thinking of workplace injuries, burns are just as common — and often more severe.

From boiling liquids in restaurant kitchens to molten metal in factories, Canadian workers across many industries face burn risks every day. But the real danger isn’t just physical harm. Burn injuries often lead to financial strain for both workers and employers, especially when safety practices are lacking.

Below, we’ll explore 10 eye-opening statistics that show just how serious and costly burn injuries can be.

1. The Financial Impact of Workplace Burns

Burn injuries don’t just cause pain — they cost companies money. In the U.S., workplace burn injuries cost over $2 billion each year in medical bills, insurance claims, and lost productivity.

While similar Canadian statistics are harder to find, the financial impact is just as significant — especially for small and mid-sized businesses.

Here’s how these costs add up:

Medical Treatment: Burns often require emergency care, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. A single serious burn can result in tens of thousands of dollars in hospital bills.
Time Off Work: Workers may need weeks or even months to recover, leading to major staffing gaps and delays in production or service.
Wage Replacement and Compensation: Burn-related claims are among the most expensive under workers’ compensation programs due to the severity and length of recovery.
Insurance Premium Increases: Employers who report frequent or severe injury claims often face higher premiums, cutting into yearly budgets.
Legal Costs and Lawsuits: In some cases, if employers are found negligent (e.g., lack of PPE or training), burn victims may pursue legal action — further driving up expenses.

In Canada, the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards reports that occupational burn injuries can lead to some of the longest average work absences. This not only affects worker well-being but also business continuity and reputation.

Burn injuries don’t just hurt workers — they also strain your company’s finances and resources. Employers who invest in proper safety training, protective gear, and regular hazard checks are more likely to avoid these costly outcomes.

2. No. of Workplace Burn Cases Reported

Burn injuries are more common than many employers realize — and their effects are long-lasting. In the U.S., more than 40,000 people are hospitalized every year due to burn injuries.

While not all are work-related, a significant portion happens on the job. In Canada, the Canadian Burn Association reports thousands of workplace-related burn injuries annually, many of which result in hospitalization and extended absences from work.

Unlike minor cuts or bruises, burn injuries often involve complex treatment and long recovery times. The deeper and more severe the burn, the more likely it is that the worker will need:

Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, often over several stages.
Infection management, since open wounds are highly vulnerable.
Pain management and rehabilitation therapy, including physiotherapy to regain mobility or function in the affected area.
Mental health support, as burns can lead to trauma, anxiety, and depression.

For many injured workers, even after treatment, permanent scarring, reduced movement, or chronic pain may persist — all of which affect quality of life and ability to return to the same job.

These numbers also highlight an important issue: underreporting. Some minor burns may not be logged properly, especially in fast-paced environments like kitchens or warehouses.

This leads to an inaccurate picture of the risk, which makes it harder to push for better prevention efforts.

Employers should take this as a warning sign — even one serious burn injury can result in months of absence, costly compensation, and lasting harm to a valued employee.

Stronger prevention measures, better first-aid response, and proper protective equipment can all reduce the risk of these life-altering injuries.

3. Which Industries Face the Highest Risk?

Certain workplaces carry much higher risks of burn injuries — and the numbers prove it. The construction industry alone accounts for nearly 25% of all annual workplace burns.

Right behind it are manufacturing and food service sectors, where workers are constantly exposed to hot surfaces, open flames, chemicals, and electrical hazards.

Each of these industries presents unique risks:

Construction: Workers face burns from electrical hazards, welding tools, hot machinery, flammable liquids, and chemical exposure. Unprotected contact or faulty gear can result in serious harm.
Manufacturing: In factories, burns often come from molten materials, pressurized steam, chemicals, and mechanical equipment. The fast-paced nature of production lines adds to the risk.
Food Service: Cooks, line workers, and servers regularly work near deep fryers, ovens, and boiling liquids. Burns from spills, splashes, and equipment malfunctions are common.

These industries also tend to employ younger or less-experienced workers, who may not have received thorough online safety training or may underestimate the risks.

Here’s what employers in these sectors should be doing:

Review burn prevention protocols regularly — outdated or missing procedures can lead to preventable incidents.
Train all employees on burn risks and emergency response, not just supervisors or full-time staff.
Provide and enforce the use of proper PPE, such as heat-resistant gloves, aprons, and face shields.
Inspect equipment frequently for fire or heat-related hazards.

If you operate in any of these high-risk industries, burn prevention isn’t optional — it’s a responsibility. With the right training and attention, you can reduce the chances of someone getting seriously hurt on your watch.

4. Some Seasons Carry Higher Risk

Burn injuries aren’t just random — they often spike during specific times of the year. Statistics show that May to August account for 37.5% of all burn admissions, making the warmer months the most dangerous season for heat-related injuries.

This seasonal trend applies across both the U.S. and Canada, especially in sectors where outdoor work or high-heat equipment is common.

Here’s why summer increases burn risk:

Outdoor work increases: Construction, road maintenance, and landscaping projects ramp up in the spring and summer, putting more workers in high-heat, high-risk environments.
Hot surfaces and tools: Machinery, scaffolding, railings, and tools left in the sun can reach dangerously high temperatures. Workers who touch these without gloves risk instant burns.
Kitchen and food service activity spikes: From outdoor catering and food trucks to patio restaurants, the food industry sees more activity — and more chances for burns from hot oil, grills, and steam.
Less clothing coverage: In hotter weather, workers may wear lighter clothing for comfort, but this leaves more skin exposed to heat sources and splash hazards.
Fatigue and heat stress: Tired or overheated workers are more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents, including spills and contact with hot equipment.

In Canadian summers, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and B.C. see a surge in seasonal construction jobs, which also means a higher likelihood of injury — especially burns. Employers should plan ahead by increasing safety training and providing more PPE during peak risk months.

If you haven’t reviewed your heat-related safety procedures lately, summer is the time to do it. With more heat, more exposure, and more work, it only takes one oversight to cause a serious injury.

5. The Reality of Fire-Related Fatalities

Burns don’t just cause pain and time off — they can also be deadly. According to recent figures, about 3,800 people in the U.S. die each year from fire or smoke inhalation.

That’s roughly one death every 2 hours and 17 minutes.

While not all of these deaths happen at work, many do — especially in industrial settings, kitchens, and warehouses where fire safety isn’t properly managed.

Fires can escalate rapidly, often within minutes. What starts as a small flame or electrical spark can become a full-blown emergency if:

Fire exits are blocked or not clearly marked.
Staff haven’t been trained on how to respond to a fire.
Fire extinguishers or alarms are broken or out of reach.
Hazardous materials are improperly stored or used.

Fire-related workplace deaths are also reported yearly through provincial workers’ compensation boards. A tragic example includes kitchen fires that spread before staff could escape, or electrical fires in warehouses due to poor wiring.

Employers must understand that burns from flames aren’t the only risk — smoke inhalation can be just as deadly, often causing unconsciousness in under 2 minutes. That’s why it's essential to ensure:

All fire safety equipment is up to date and tested.
Evacuation plans are posted, clear, and practiced regularly.
Staff know exactly how to act in case of a fire.

Fire safety isn’t just a checklist item — it’s a matter of life and death. One missed inspection or one skipped training session could cost someone their life. Don’t wait for a close call to take it seriously.

6. Burn Survivors Often Face Long-Term Consequences

Burn injuries don’t end once the wound is treated — the effects often last a lifetime.

Studies show that around 40% of individuals with severe burns require hospitalization and may undergo multiple surgeries, such as skin grafts and reconstructive procedures.

For many survivors, healing is a long, difficult journey that involves both physical and emotional challenges.

Here’s what long-term recovery often includes:

Extended hospital stays followed by rehabilitation in burn units or outpatient clinics.
Skin graft surgeries, which involve transplanting healthy skin from other areas of the body to cover burn wounds. These can be painful and may require repeat procedures.
Physical therapy, as burns often affect joint mobility, especially on hands, legs, and arms. This can limit a person’s ability to return to their original job.
Chronic pain and itching, which are common in the healing process and may last for years.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially for burns on visible areas like the face, neck, or hands.
Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and social withdrawal due to changes in appearance or physical ability.

For Canadian workers injured on the job, these long-term effects can drastically reduce quality of life. Many cannot return to work for months — and some never go back to the same role again.

From a business standpoint, these consequences mean higher compensation payouts, increased insurance costs, and lost workforce productivity. But more importantly, they reflect the human cost of a safety failure.

Prevention — through proper PPE, regular training, and safer tools — is always more effective than trying to “manage” recovery after an injury. Once a serious burn happens, the damage is already done.

7. Who Gets Burned Most Often?

Burn injuries don’t affect everyone equally. According to national data, 66% of U.S. burn admissions are male, especially in high-risk jobs like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.

But what’s even more alarming is that women and children are statistically more likely to die from burn injuries. This contrast highlights major issues in safety practices and emergency response protocols.

Here’s what the numbers suggest:

Men are more exposed to occupational burn risks due to job roles in industrial sectors, often involving electrical tools, hot machinery, or welding.
Women, while less likely to get injured on the job, often experience burns in healthcare, food service, or domestic settings — but are more vulnerable to fatal outcomes due to delayed treatment or lack of protective gear.
Children, especially in family-run businesses or home-based workspaces, face risks due to lack of supervision or unsafe environments.

In a Canadian context, many women work in roles like food prep, health care, and cleaning — all of which involve exposure to hot liquids, chemicals, and equipment.

However, most PPE on the market is designed with a male body frame in mind, leaving gaps in protection.

This makes customized and inclusive safety measures crucial:

Tailored PPE that fits women properly, including heat-resistant gloves, aprons, and footwear.
Targeted safety training that considers gender and role-specific risks in the workplace.
Clear emergency procedures for diverse teams, including part-time, temporary, and younger staff who may be less experienced.

Employers must recognize that one-size-fits-all safety policies don’t work. Protecting all employees equally requires understanding how risk varies — and acting on it with smart, inclusive safety planning.

8. The Global Scope of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries aren’t just a local issue — they’re a global concern. Every year, around 180,000 people die from burns worldwide, with most fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization.

While your business may be based in Canada or the U.S., the ripple effect of burn-related hazards can stretch far beyond national borders.

Why should this matter to Canadian employers?

Global supply chains: Many businesses source materials, clothing, food products, or parts from countries where burn safety standards may be lower or poorly enforced.
Outsourcing and off-site manufacturing: If your operations rely on overseas partners or contractors, their workplace safety practices directly impact your brand’s ethical responsibility.
Product liability: Injuries during the production process — even abroad — can lead to consumer backlash or reputational damage if worker safety is overlooked.
Shared learnings: Some of the best workplace safety innovations come from observing international practices. Global collaboration can strengthen burn prevention efforts locally.

Canadian employers committed to ethical sourcing, fair trade, or sustainable business practices must look at worker safety through a global lens. Ensuring safe working conditions across your supply chain helps prevent exploitation — and improves overall resilience.

No matter where your workers are, burn prevention should be part of your company’s safety culture. A global mindset can lead to smarter, safer workplaces for everyone.

9. Summer Is the Peak Burn Injury Season

The summer months aren’t just warmer — they’re riskier. In 2021, there were 252,000 injuries in the U.S. caused by contact with hot objects or substances.

Many of these occurred during peak summer activity. In Canada, a similar pattern is seen, especially in construction, hospitality, and landscaping — industries that ramp up hiring and operations between May and August.

Why summer leads to more burns:

Increased work with hot tools or equipment, like grills, asphalt, fryers, and welding machinery.
Higher surface temperatures on metal, machinery, and pavement, which can cause burns on contact.
Overheating of electrical equipment, increasing the chance of sparks or fire-related burns.
More temporary and seasonal staff who may not be fully trained in burn safety protocols.
Relaxed dress codes, exposing more skin to heat, liquids, or chemicals.

This makes summer safety planning essential. Here’s what employers can do:

Perform routine safety checks on hot surfaces, machines, and tools.
Host short safety refreshers for all staff before summer begins — especially for seasonal hires.
Inspect PPE and replace worn gear, including gloves, aprons, and safety glasses.
Post visible signage in kitchens, factories, and outdoor work areas to remind teams of burn risks.

When temperatures go up, so do the chances of injury. Staying proactive during summer could mean the difference between a safe season and a serious incident.

10. Burn Injuries Are Especially Dangerous for Children

Burns are one of the leading causes of injury among children — and the numbers are alarming. The median age for burn injury in children is just 3 years old, with scalds and contact burns being the most common causes.

While this stat highlights household risk, it also applies to workplaces that employ young staff, such as restaurants, retail, or childcare services.

Why are young workers and children more vulnerable?

Lack of experience: Young workers (often teens or students) may not recognize hazards or understand how to use equipment safely.
Insufficient supervision: In busy environments, new staff are sometimes left unsupervised, increasing the chance of error.
Inadequate PPE: Youth-sized safety gear may not be readily available, leaving gaps in protection.
Risk-taking ehavior: Younger employees might hesitate to speak up or ask questions about safety protocols.

For businesses in industries like food service, hospitality, or early childhood education, this is a wake-up call. Employers have a duty of care to ensure:

Proper onboarding and burn prevention training for all young staff.
Assigned supervisors who are responsible for monitoring safe practices.
Restricted access to high-risk areas, like deep fryers, dishwashers, or boiling pots.
Age-appropriate PPE and clear rules about what tasks young employees can and cannot perform.

Provinces like Ontario have specific guidelines around young worker safety. Ignoring these can lead to not only injuries — but fines, legal issues, and reputational harm.

Protecting young workers and the children under your care starts with awareness. Burn safety should be taught early — and taken seriously.

What Employers Can Do to Improve Burn Safety

Preventing burn injuries in the workplace starts with recognizing that most of them are predictable and preventable.

Whether it’s a splash of hot oil, a spark from a welding torch, or a contact burn from overheated machinery, these incidents can often be avoided with the right safety measures in place.

Employers have both a legal and moral responsibility to protect workers from burn hazards — and doing so can reduce injury claims, lower downtime, and boost morale.

The good news? Improving burn safety doesn’t always require a complete overhaul of your workplace. Instead, it comes down to proactive planning, proper gear, and training staff to respond effectively to high-heat risks.

Here are four key steps employers can take to strengthen burn prevention in any industry.

1. Conduct Burn Hazard Assessments

The first step in preventing burns is knowing where the risks are. A burn hazard assessment helps you identify all potential sources of burns — from hot surfaces and open flames to chemicals, steam, and electrical components.

Here’s how to approach it:

Walk through the workspace regularly to observe areas where high heat, flames, or hot liquids are used.
Involve your employees in identifying areas they feel unsafe or have seen incidents in the past.
Review past incident reports or near-misses to pinpoint patterns or repeat hazards.
Assess seasonal risks, like hot surfaces in summer or increased fryer use during holidays.
Use checklists tailored to your industry, whether it’s food service, manufacturing, or construction.
Once risks are identified, document them and create an action plan that includes who is responsible, what corrective measures will be taken, and a timeline for implementation. Reassess every few months or after any incident.

A burn hazard that’s been ignored is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Identifying and fixing issues early keeps everyone safer and protects your business from serious consequences.

2. Provide Fire-Resistant PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most important layers of defence against burns. Yet in many workplaces, PPE is either missing, poorly fitted, or not designed for the specific burn risks present.

If you expect employees to work near heat or flame, you need to supply fire-resistant PPE — and make sure it’s used correctly.

Key types of burn-protective PPE include:

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing, including jackets, overalls, or aprons.
Heat-resistant gloves for working with hot tools, grills, or metal surfaces.
Face shields or goggles to protect from splashes or sparks.
Slip-resistant, heat-insulated boots, especially in kitchens or manufacturing.
Arm sleeves or gaiters in jobs with risk of steam, oil splashes, or molten metal.

Other considerations:

Ensure proper fit — especially for women or smaller-bodied workers who are often given oversized PPE that doesn’t protect well.
Train staff on how and when to wear protective gear and how to spot signs of wear or damage.
Replace PPE regularly and track inventory to ensure availability.

PPE should never be a one-size-fits-all solution. It must match the hazards your employees actually face — and be comfortable enough for them to wear consistently.

3. Offer Regular Fire and First-Aid Training

Even with all the right equipment, burns can still happen. When they do, a quick and skilled response can make the difference between a minor injury and a life-threatening situation.

That’s why all staff — not just supervisors — need to attend fire extinguisher training and burn first aid.

Key training topics to include:

How to respond to different types of burns (thermal, chemical, electrical, etc.).
Use of fire extinguishers and fire blankets — hands-on practice is ideal.
How to stop, drop, and roll in case of clothing catching fire.
Immediate steps for burn first aid: cooling the burn, removing restrictive clothing, covering with a sterile cloth, and when to call for emergency help.
Evacuation procedures during fires, including roles, exit routes, and check-in points.
What to do if a colleague experiences smoke inhalation or goes unconscious.

Training should be held at least once a year, and more frequently for high-risk roles or when new hires are onboarded. Employers should also conduct fire drills every few months to make sure the emergency response plan actually works in real-world conditions.

Prepared workers react faster, stay calmer, and save lives — sometimes even their own.

4. Install Proper Signage and Emergency Equipment

Many burn injuries escalate because workers don’t know where safety equipment is located or how to use it. Clear signage and accessible emergency tools can significantly reduce the harm caused by burns or fire-related incidents.

Essentials every workplace should include:

Visible fire exit signs with clear directional arrows and lighting.
Labels on hot surfaces and hazardous areas, like ovens, boilers, or chemical stations.
Emergency shut-off switches near machinery that can overheat or catch fire.
Accessible fire extinguishers — placed within 75 feet of working areas, per safety guidelines.
Fire blankets in kitchens or welding areas to smother flames on clothing.
First-aid kits with burn-specific supplies, like hydrogel dressings, clean wraps, and cold compresses.
Eyewash stations near chemical-use areas.

Best practices:

Check that signs are at eye level and printed in languages your staff understands.
Inspect and test all emergency equipment monthly — not just during annual audits.
Place equipment in unobstructed areas where it’s easy to grab during a crisis.

When danger strikes, people don’t have time to think. They react based on visibility and access. Clear signage and well-placed equipment turn panic into action — and that can save both lives and your workplace.

Conclusion

The numbers don’t lie — burn injuries are far more common, costly, and dangerous than many employers realize.

From seasonal spikes and high-risk industries to the long-term toll on survivors, these burn injury statistics show just how critical prevention really is. They’re not just facts; they’re warnings that demand action.

Workplace burns can lead to extended hospital stays, permanent injuries, legal claims, and even deaths. And yet, many of these incidents are preventable with the right safety measures in place.

Employers who wait for a serious injury before addressing burn hazards are risking far more than just downtime — they’re gambling with people’s lives and their company’s future.

The good news is that burn prevention isn’t out of reach. With simple steps like conducting hazard assessments, supplying proper PPE, training employees in fire and first-aid response, and ensuring emergency equipment is clearly marked and accessible, companies can drastically reduce the risk.

In Canada’s high-risk sectors — construction, food service, and manufacturing especially — burn safety needs to be treated as a priority, not an afterthought.

Staying proactive not only protects workers but also strengthens workplace morale, reduces insurance costs, and builds a culture of accountability.

Because at the end of the day, a safe workplace is a strong workplace — and prevention is always better than regret.

10 Shocking Burn Injury Statistics Everyone Should Know