Abstract Lower extremity burn injuries are among the most affected anatomical regions in hospitalized burn patients. Our objective was to compare burn patients with work-related isolated lower extremity burn injuries (w-ILEBI) and patients with nonwork-related isolated lower extremity burn injuries (nw-ILEBI). Sixty-four (15.7) of 407 patients (16–92 years) were in the w-ILEBI cohort. The most extensive burn wounds were among patients in the fire-flame group with a median total body surface area percent (TBSA) of 27.0 (interquartile range = 11.0–45.0). While 50 (76.9) patients in the electrical group had full-thickness burns, 99 (60) of the cases in the scald group had superficial partial-thickness burns. Blood and wound sample cultures were positive in 42 (29.4) patients in the fire-flame group. Approximately one-third of patients in the fire-flame/electrical group required escharotomy/fasciotomy procedures, only one (0.6) case in the scald group, and none in the chemical/contact groups. Thirty-three (51) of the patients in the electrical group underwent skin grafting, but 14 (21.5) required amputations. The highest mortality was detected in 27 (18.9) patients in the fire-flame group. This study revealed several differences in clinical characteristics of isolated lower extremity burn injuries (ILEBI): burn mechanism and depth, total body surface area percent (TBSA), infection, surgery requirements, laterality, and mortality. Within the scope of occupational health and safety measures, protective clothing and increased workplace and safety training for employers/employees should be implemented.
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