# Second degree heat (thermal) burns at Penn State Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
> OSHA SIR `20231110343` · 11/9/2023 · WILKES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Back, including spine, spinal cord, unspecified
- **Nature of injury:** Second degree heat (thermal) burns
## Cause
- **Event:** Contact with hot objects or substances
- **Source:** Steam, vapors, liquids, ice, n.e.c.
## Employer
- **Name:** Penn State Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
- **Location:** 1000 East Mountain Blvd, WILKES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, 18711
- **NAICS:** 238220
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

A crew was putting a temporary boiler into service so that an old boiler could be replaced. During startup, a valve was opened that released steam and hot water onto an employee. The injured employee was hospitalized with second degree burns to over 75% of his back.

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