# Third or fourth degree heat (thermal) burns at Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital
> OSHA SIR `2023075936` · 7/5/2023 · HINES, ILLINOIS
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Multiple body parts, n.e.c.
- **Nature of injury:** Third or fourth degree heat (thermal) burns
## Cause
- **Event:** Fall through surface or existing opening, unspecified
- **Source:** Ground, n.e.c.
- **Secondary source:** Water
## Employer
- **Name:** Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital
- **Location:** 5000 S. 5th Avenue, HINES, ILLINOIS, 60141
- **NAICS:** 622110
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

A maintenance mechanic was standing on grass approximately 6 feet to the left of a steam vault that needed to be pumped out. The ground opened up, causing the employee to fall waist deep into boiling water in the sink hole. The employee sustained second-and third-degree burns to the back, arms, and legs.

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*Source: [OSHA Severe Injury Reports](https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports) · MORVS · CC0 1.0*