Japanese Journal of Burn Injuries
Online ISSN : 2435-1571
Print ISSN : 0285-113X
Original
Work Related Burn Injuries Treated at Tokyo MedicalUniversity Hospital in the Past 5 Years
Yuki AokiTakako KomiyaHajime Matsumura
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2021 Volume 47 Issue 1 Pages 11-16

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Abstract

 Introduction: We collected data regarding burns caused by occupational accidents that were treated at our hospital in the previous 5 years, and analyzed their recent trends. We also discuss points that medical professionals should be aware of regarding such accidents.
 Methods: Data of patients who were treated at our hospital between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018 were reviewed. A retrospective study was conducted on 36 cases of occupational accident burns in 35 patients who were treated at our department.
 The following data were analyzed: 1. Year of injury; 2. occupation; 3. situation causing the injury; 4. burn area; 5. burn depth; 6. days from injury to hospital visit; 7. treatment; 8. whether guidance was provided at work regarding measures to take at the time of a burn injury; 9. whether the injured site was immediately cooled; and 10. time required until returning to work after the injury, if described.
 Results: The largest number obtained for each result is shown. 1. The number of patients in 2014 was 14. 2. Restaurant workers comprised 74% of the patients. 3. Injury from high-temperature liquid comprised 53% of the total. 4. Patients with a burn area of less than 10% comprised 89% of the total. 5. A burn depth of superficial dermal burn or deep dermal burn was observed in 80% of the patients. 6. In total, 94% of the patients visited the hospital on the day of the injury. 7. Conservative treatment was performed on 71% of the patients. 8. At work, 23 of 26 patients had not been instructed on how to manage such injuries. 9. Sixteen of 26 patients did not cool the injured area for at least 20 minutes. 10. Twelve of 25 patients returned to work more than a month after the injury.
 Discussion: Even in industries with a high risk of burns, appropriate guidance regarding the initial management of an injury is not provided at the time of employment. By providing instruction on appropriate initial measures to manage burn injuries at work, it will be possible to prevent the progression of the depth of occupational burns and shorten the treatment period.
 Conclusion: Doctors should be aware that if a patient returns to the same workplace, there is a risk of reinjury and that people in the same profession are also at risk of injury.

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© 2021 Japanese Society for Burn Injuries
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