Chemical Burns at Work: What You Need to Know

Quick Summary

• Chemical burns happen when a hazardous substance damages the skin, eyes, or other tissue through contact, and can cause serious and sometimes permanent injury
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to assess and control risks from hazardous substances, including proper storage, handling, PPE, and training
• Common causes include inadequate PPE, poor labelling or storage of chemicals, missing safety data sheets, and lack of training on safe handling
• Immediate first aid and prompt medical attention are important both for your recovery and for the medical evidence supporting a claim

What is a chemical burn, and how serious can it be?

A chemical burn occurs when a hazardous substance — an acid, alkali, solvent, or other corrosive or irritant chemical — comes into contact with skin, eyes, or is inhaled or ingested, causing tissue damage. Severity ranges from mild irritation to deep tissue damage, permanent scarring, or in serious cases, loss of function or vision if the eyes are affected. The severity often depends on the chemical involved, its concentration, contact duration, and how quickly it's properly treated.

What does the law require employers to do?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) place specific duties on employers where hazardous substances are used or present in the workplace, including:

• Carrying out a COSHH risk assessment identifying hazardous substances and the risks they present
• Implementing control measures following a hierarchy — eliminating or substituting a hazardous substance where possible, then engineering controls, then safe systems of work, with PPE as a last resort
• Providing appropriate PPE free of charge, such as gloves, goggles, or protective clothing suited to the specific chemical risk
• Ensuring safe storage and labelling of hazardous substances, including safety data sheets
• Providing information, instruction, and training on the risks and how to handle substances safely
• Having appropriate procedures for spills, exposure, and emergencies

What kinds of failures typically lead to chemical burn claims?

• No or inadequate COSHH risk assessment for a substance used in the workplace
• PPE not provided, unsuitable for the specific chemical, or in poor condition
• Chemicals stored or labelled incorrectly, leading to accidental contact or mixing of incompatible substances
• No training given on the safe handling of a particular hazardous substance
• Missing or inadequate emergency procedures, such as no eyewash station where one was clearly needed

What should I do immediately after a chemical exposure?

• Follow immediate first aid — typically flushing the affected area with water for an extended period, and removing contaminated clothing
• Seek medical attention promptly, particularly for eye exposure, inhalation, or any significant skin contact
• Report the incident and ensure it's recorded in your employer's accident book
• Note the specific chemical involved, if known, and how the exposure happened
• Ask whether a safety data sheet exists for the substance, as this can be important evidence

What evidence supports a chemical burn claim?

• Medical records documenting the burn, treatment given, and any ongoing effects
• Photographs of the injury and, where possible, the substance or its container
• The relevant safety data sheet and any COSHH risk assessment (or evidence that none existed)
• Details of the PPE provided, or evidence that it wasn't provided or wasn't suitable
• Witness accounts of the incident

What compensation could I receive?

Chemical burns are assessed within the broader framework of burn injury compensation, which accounts for burn depth, affected body area, scarring, and impact on daily life and work. See our detailed guide on burn injury compensation amounts for the relevant Judicial College Guidelines bracket ranges.

Frequently asked questions

What if I wasn't given the right PPE for the chemical I was working with?

This is a significant and common issue in chemical burn claims — an employer's duty extends to providing PPE genuinely suitable for the specific substance involved, not just generic protective equipment.

Can I claim if the chemical burn left visible scarring?

Yes — scarring, particularly to visible areas such as the face or hands, is a significant factor in valuing a claim, alongside the physical and psychological impact.

What if I don't know exactly what chemical caused my burn?

Your solicitor can help establish this, including by requesting safety data sheets and workplace records from your employer as part of gathering evidence for your claim.

Suffered a chemical burn at work?

A specialist solicitor can assess whether your employer met their COSHH duties and what your claim may be worth.

Free case assessment

Or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525). No upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.