Rise in Construction Burn Injuries Highlights Gaps in Training and Risk Management
Recent figures released by NHS Trusts and highlighted by PBC Today reveal a worrying increase in burn injuries among construction workers, with the majority of incidents involving hot works, chemical exposure, and contact with electrics or heated surfaces. These findings suggest a training and supervision gap that, if left unaddressed, could expose workers to significant risk and employers to serious legal consequences.
As the construction industry continues to face scrutiny under evolving safety legislation—including the Building Safety Act—the ability to prove competency, training, and effective risk controls has never been more important.
Key Risks and Employer Responsibilities
The most common causes of burns reported across construction sites include:
•Welding and cutting without adequate PPE or fume extraction
•Mishandling of adhesives, solvents, or cement-based substances
•Inadequate supervision during high-risk or specialist tasks
•Limited or no induction training on site-specific hazards
Under COSHH, CDM 2015, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are required to assess and control the risks posed by hot works and hazardous substances, and to ensure workers are both informed and competent to carry out their duties safely.
The Role of NVQs in Demonstrating Competency
NVQ qualifications remain one of the most effective ways to formally demonstrate that a worker or supervisor is competent to manage and mitigate specific risks. Relevant NVQs include:
• Level 2 and Level 3 Trade NVQs
• Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision
• Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice
These qualifications not only help meet compliance expectations, but also ensure that those responsible for planning, executing, and supervising high-risk work are equipped to do so safely.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we work with employers to identify competency gaps and provide practical, qualification-led solutions to address them. Our services include:
✔ NVQ assessments across construction, health and safety, and supervision
✔ On-site and remote training solutions tailored to hot works and chemical safety
✔ Site audits and COSHH reviews to support safer operations
✔ Guidance on CSCS/CPCS card applications for qualified workers
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📞 01473 561 402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk