Occasionally third degree burns can result, especially if there is
prolonged contact. Scalds caused by steam are typically far more severe because
of a greater amount of latent heat that is absorbed.
Scalds are most commonly a result of exposure to high-temperature water such as tap water in baths and showers, cooking water boiled for the preparation of foods, and spilled hot drinks. Most scalds are considered first or second degree burns.
• Circumstance leading to large loss: Injured party was a male adult, developmentally disabled and living in an adult group home for about seven years. He was severely injured sustainingsecond and third degree burns while taking a shower and facing the shower handles with the spray hose draped behind him. The group home supervisor shut the curtain to go retrieve something in the closet. While STILL in the bathroom, the supervisor noticed the steam. The injured party was not capable of yelling and did not have the cognitive ability to react quickly.
• Loss
Cause Analysis: Shower was not provided with an
anti-scald device. The attendant did not provide adequate supervision
per company standard operating procedure and was unknowledgeable to the
individual's disability to communicate fully.
•
Exposures leading to the loss:
1. There was no
anti-scald device in the shower
2. The individual was
improperly supervised
3. The attendant was
not trained to understand claimant's disabilities
•
Controls which should be in place:
1. Never
leave a child or person with a disability alone, especially in the bathroom or
in the kitchen. If you must leave the room, take the person with you
2. Set
your water heater thermostat to 120°F or less. The lower temperature, the lower
the risk of sustaining scald-burn related injuries
3. Install anti-scald
devices in bathtub faucets and shower heads
4.
Always test the water temperature before
putting a child or an adult with disabilities in the bathtub or shower
5. Provide
training for staff. Never depend solely on any one water temperature control
procedure or product. Products malfunction and can never replace physically
checking the water
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620
Bob Lancaster Insurance
Serving Florida since 1964
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