As temperatures drop, the risk of burns and scalds increases. During the cooler months, people rely more heavily on heating appliances, hot water, and indoor cooking, all of which can significantly raise the likelihood of burn-related injuries.
Burns and scalds are preventable injuries, yet they continue to have a substantial impact on health and wellbeing across Western Australia. These injuries can result from contact with heat, flames, hot liquids, steam, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
The burden of these injuries in WA is considerable. From 2020 to 2024, there were 3,950 hospitalisations for burns and scalds, accounting for more than 16,000 hospital bed days.
During winter, people tend to use heaters, electric blankets, hot water bottles, and fireplaces more frequently. At the same time, hot drinks and cooked meals become more common, increasing the chance of scald injuries, particularly among children and older adults.
Common household hazards during winter include hot water, hot drinks, ovens, cooktops, kettles, irons, heaters, open fires, matches, chemicals, and electrical outlets.
Preventing burns and scalds requires a combination of awareness, practical precautions, and safer environments. Key intervention strategies include:
- Educating individuals about the causes of burns and scalds and safe practices around hot surfaces and substances.
- Awareness-raising activities that provide a suite of information regarding smoke alarm installation, maintenance and legislation.
- Fire skills training for children around appropriate fire-safe behaviours, how to react in an emergency, and what actions to take when a fire breaks out.
For information, resources, and guidance to support Local Governments and health and community workers in increasing awareness of the importance of burns prevention and correct first aid, visit the Know Injury Burns and Scalds page and download the