location of incident

Last reviewed 01/2018

The distribution of where burns occur is linked to the prevalence of particular risks in these environments.

The vast majority of burns occur in the home. The most common site within the home are the kitchen and bathroom. Here, scalds and direct thermal injury in the young and old are particularly likely. Additionally, the kitchen or a store room may be the source of an array of dangerous chemicals.

The workplace is the next most likely setting for a burn. The advent of rigorous occupational health and safety policies has reduced the incidence.

Roads are the next most likely site for a burn and typically as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The outdoor environment is a relatively common site for burns e.g. as a result of fireworks or inattention of a bonfire.

Most military burns are not related to conflict and occur in similar settings to the civilian population. Of all battle casualties, burns constitute around 10-12%.