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National Burn Awareness Week 2026 Highlights Workplace Burn Prevention

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Burn injuries remain a serious public health concern in the United States, with nearly 398,000 people receiving medical care for burn-related injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these injuries involve contact with hot objects, scalds, exposure to flame, and workplace hazards. While survival rates continue to improve, survivors often face long-term physical and emotional challenges, reinforcing the importance of prevention education.

National Burn Awareness Week (#NBAW), an initiative of the American Burn Association (ABA), is observed February 1–7, 2026, and brings together healthcare professionals, burn centers, fire and life safety educators, employers, and community partners nationwide to raise awareness and promote practical, evidence-based burn prevention strategies. 

This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play — Preventing Burns in the Workplace,” focuses on reducing risks across occupational environments, including healthcare facilities, commercial kitchens, laboratories, construction sites, and manufacturing settings. 

“Burn injuries are often preventable,” said Clifford Sheckter, MD, FABA, Chair of the American Burn Association’s Burn Prevention Committee. “National Burn Awareness Week provides an opportunity to elevate workplace safety education, highlight proven prevention strategies, and engage communities in protecting workers and families alike.” 

Workplace Burn Prevention Tips 

Simple actions can significantly reduce burn risk on the job: 

  • Heat and Equipment Safety: Use protective equipment when working with hot surfaces, machinery, or open flames.  

  • Chemical Handling: Follow proper storage, labeling, and handling protocols for hazardous materials.  

  • Electrical Awareness: Inspect cords and equipment regularly and avoid overloading outlets.  

  • Training and Preparedness: Participate in workplace safety training and ensure emergency response plans are visible and accessible. 

Community Engagement During NBAW 

The American Burn Association encourages organizations and individuals to participate throughout the week by sharing burn prevention resources and educational content. A template letter to elected officials is available to support advocacy efforts, along with additional tools for education and outreach. 

  •  Social Media Video Award: While submissions for the 2026 award are now closed, burn prevention videos are encouraged to be shared organically during National Burn Awareness Week to help amplify safety messaging. 

  • Burn Survivor Poster Contest: Artwork from the 2025 Burn Camp Poster Contest winners will be featured throughout NBAW 2026, highlighting survivor voices and reinforcing prevention education through creative expression. View all poster contest winners and participants.  

 Use #NBAW and #ameriburn when sharing content on social media. Posts tagged #ameriburn may be featured on the American Burn Association homepage's social feed, expanding the reach of prevention messages nationwide. 

Resources Available  

The ABA Burn Prevention Committee has developed free, downloadable materials to support outreach, including fact sheets, social media graphics, press templates, and co-branded educational tools. These resources are available to burn centers, healthcare organizations, employers, educators, and community groups.  

Access resources and learn more at ameriburn.org/NBAW. 

About National Burn Awareness Week  

National Burn Awareness Week is an initiative of the American Burn Association dedicated to raising awareness about burn injury prevention and safety. The campaign unites healthcare professionals, fire and life safety experts, researchers, and community partners to promote evidence-based education and prevention strategies nationwide.