Parkland burn providers emphasize the importance of prevention
Preventing burns in the workplace is the theme of awareness week, Feb. 1-7
Every workplace — from kitchens and offices to construction sites and manufacturing floors — presents potential burn risks. In recognition of National Burn Awareness Week, Feb. 1–7, 2026, Parkland Health’s Burn Center is joining the American Burn Association (ABA) to promote practical, life-saving burn prevention strategies for workers across North Texas.
Parkland Health is home to the only burn center in North Texas verified to treat both adult and pediatric patients, caring for some of the region’s most serious burn injuries. Each year, Parkland’s burn specialists see firsthand how preventable workplace injuries can result in life-altering trauma — reinforcing the importance of education and awareness.
This year’s National Burn Awareness Week theme, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace,” highlights how small, proactive safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Burn hazards aren’t limited to industrial settings. They can occur anywhere heat, chemicals, electricity, or flammable materials are present. Parkland’s burn experts emphasize that simple precautions can make a meaningful difference.
The ABA’s top five workplace burn prevention tips include:
- Wear protective gear: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons, helmets, or flame-resistant clothing when working with hot surfaces, chemicals, or machinery.
- Handle heat safely: Monitor hot oil, boiling liquids, ovens, and equipment closely; open lids away from your face and never leave heat sources unattended.
- Inspect and maintain equipment: Regularly check cords, tools, vehicles, and machines for damage or overheating, and follow safety protocols during maintenance.
- Control flammable materials: Store fuels, chemicals, and combustible materials properly, keep them away from heat sources, and avoid sparks or open flames.
- Know emergency procedures: Ensure fire extinguishers and first aid kits are accessible, know exit routes, and practice emergency drills regularly.
“Burn injuries can happen in seconds, but their impact can last a lifetime,” said Sarah Scoins, MSN, APRN, ACNPC-AG, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CBRN, Burn Outreach and Injury Prevention Nurse Educator. “We treat patients who are injured at work, and many of these injuries could have been prevented with basic safety measures. Prevention truly is the first step in healing.”
According to national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 398,000 people sought medical care for burn injuries in the United States in 2021. Children under the age of 5 were twice as likely as the general population to be treated in emergency departments for burn-related injuries — underscoring the need for prevention at work and at home.
“Burn prevention is a shared responsibility,” Scoins said. “By taking small, proactive steps in the workplace, employers and employees can reduce the risk of serious injuries and help protect lives.”
As the region’s only verified burn center caring for both adult and pediatric patients, Parkland Health remains committed not only to delivering expert, compassionate burn care, but also to preventing injuries before they happen through education, outreach, and community partnerships.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
Back