Fatal occupational scalds - A case report and review of literature

Mortality and morbidity due to burn injuries commonly involve all age groups. Only the manner and place of sustaining the burn injuries may vary in them. Accidental burn injuries are common in children when compared to adults, in whom it may be due to self infliction or as a result of assault. Burn injuries in adults occur not infrequently as a result of accident too. Such accidental burn injuries are common at workplaces. This report describes a victim who received severe partial and full thickness scalds over the body following an exposure to hot oil at his workplace. Prevention of such mishaps through improved employee education, safety measures and display of warning signs could reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality due to accidental exposure to hot fluids at work.