A chemical may come in powder, liquid or gas form, and will often be invisible to the human eye. One of the most malignant aspects of chemical burn injuries is that they are not always immediately painful, and the full extent of the injury may not be apparent. Chemical solutions containing very high levels of acid or alkali can cause severe burns which penetrate the skin and damage the body's soft tissues, bones and internal organs. The strongest chemicals such as hydrochloric acid will begin to destroy the skin on contact, while other chemicals may only begin to burn sometime after exposure. Chemical burns may result in permanent disability, especially in cases where chemicals enter the eyes causing blindness, or are inhaled causing in damage to the lungs. More often such burns are disfiguring, creating a perception of deformity and resulting emotional trauma. Those injured by chemical burns frequently require lengthy rehabilitation periods, as well as extensive plastic surgery to restore a semblance of aesthetic normality.

Chemical burns may originate from contact with acids, alkalis and other caustic agents. While many would assume that acids are the more corrosive substance, alkalis have the ability to cause deeper, more severe burns. The combination of water and cement creates a powerful chemical reaction that will cause alkali burns to the skin or the eyes on contact. This emphasises the importance of protective eyewear and heavy duty gloves when mixing cement. Laboratories, construction sites, and factories producing chemical-based products are the most common locations where workers are injured by chemical burns. Cleaning staff and road maintenance workers are also routinely burned by the chemicals which they use. It is important to note however that potentially hazardous chemicals are present in nearly every workplace, with rust removers, drain cleaners, car batteries and cleaning fluids being a few notable examples. As science evolves and chemical-based products become increasingly complex, it is likely that chemical burns will continue to account for a high percentage of work related injuries recorded each year.

Manufacturers who supply products containing dangerous chemicals may be subject to product liability compensation claims if they cause burns. Service industries such as hairdressing must hold public liability insurance, which will be used to compensate customers who are burned on the premises through no fault of their own. One of the most important pieces of legislation in this area is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), which governs the handling and storage of dangerous chemicals, including requirements regarding ventilation and the provision of adequate protective equipment to workers. More generally, employers must identify the potential risk of chemical burns in the workplace, and take every reasonable measure to reduce that risk to the lowest possible level. Employers must also ensure that workers are properly trained in how to deal with chemicals, and that safe working practises are introduced and maintained. Chemical burns caused by the actions or omissions of a co-worker are still legally the responsibility of the employer under the principle of vicarious liability, emphasising the need for management to enforce safety standards and provide the necessary supervision.

Chemical burns can cause horrendous physical injuries and psychological damage. They may require years of costly ongoing skin grafts and plastic surgery, or ultimately result in permanent disability. The highest compensation awards for chemical burns are paid out in situations where workers are unable to continue in any form of employment, reflecting many years of loss of earnings. If you have been injured by a chemical burn in a commercial premises, in the course of your employment, or from a defective product, you should seek legal advice regarding the possibility of claiming compensation from those responsible.

Bartletts Solicitors have been protecting and supporting clients for 150 years, and enjoys a reputation nationwide for trusted legal advice. We are specialists in work related burn injury compensation claims, having successfully represented employees who have been burned at work across a range of industries.

Bartletts Solicitors handle accident at work claims on a no win no fee basis, meaning that you will not have to pay any legal fees until you win your claim and receive your compensation, and will not have to pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. Since a change in the law in April 2013, all law firms now charge a success fee payable upon conclusion of successful work accident claims, calculated as a percentage of the damages awarded. Contact our specialist team today for free and confidential legal advice.

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