CHICAGO [Jan. 22, 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:
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 actively participate throughout the week by sharing prevention resources and educational content.
The American Burn Association encourages organizations and individuals to actively participate throughout the week by sharing prevention resources and educational content.
- Social Media Video Award: While submissions for the 2026 award have closed, burn prevention videos can still be shared organically during National Burn Awareness Week to amplify safety messaging.
- Burn Survivor Poster Contest: Artwork from the 2025 Burn Camp Poster Contest winners will be featured throughout NBAW 2026, showcasing survivor voices and reinforcing prevention education through creative expression.
Participants are encouraged to use #NBAW and #ameriburn when sharing content on social media. Posts using #ameriburn may appear on the American Burn Association’s homepage social feed, helping extend the reach of prevention messages nationwide.
Resources Available
The ABA Burn Prevention Committee has developed free, downloadable materials to support outreach efforts, including fact sheets, social media graphics, press templates, and co-brandable 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.
The ABA Burn Prevention Committee has developed free, downloadable materials to support outreach efforts, including fact sheets, social media graphics, press templates, and co-brandable 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.
Editor’s Note
For more information about ABA or to request an interview with Dr. Sheckter, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.
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.
Editor’s Note
For more information about ABA or to request an interview with Dr. Sheckter, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.
