Burn Awareness Week: Preventing Burns in the Workplace

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Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue Services is recognizing Burn Awareness Week, February 1–7, 2026, reminding local workers and employers that burn injuries are preventable and that workplace safety starts with everyday awareness and preparation. 

This year’s international theme, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace,” highlights how everyday actions and increased awareness can significantly reduce burn-related incidents on the job. 

To mark Burn Awareness Week, Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue Services is sharing public safety information from the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund to help educate workers and employers across British Columbia about practical, effective burn-prevention strategies. 

Burn injuries in the workplace are not limited to fires. They can be caused by hot liquids, steam, chemicals, electricity, friction, or equipment failures. Burn Awareness Week encourages everyone to slow down, assess potential hazards, and make safety a routine part of every workday. 

Top Burn Prevention Tips for the Workplace: 

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, eye protection, or flame-resistant clothing 
  • Handle heat sources safely, including hot liquids, oil, ovens, and industrial equipment 
  • Inspect and maintain tools, machinery, and electrical equipment regularly 
  • Store flammable and combustible materials properly and away from heat sources 
  • Know emergency procedures, including the location of fire extinguishers, exits, and first aid supplies 

Throughout Burn Awareness Week, the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund will share educational resources, safety reminders, and prevention messaging designed to reach workers, families, and communities across the province. Supported by professional firefighters across British Columbia, the Burn Fund works year-round to reduce burn injuries through public awareness campaigns, safety education, and community outreach. 

For more information on burn prevention and workplace safety, visit burnfund.org