In our offices or workplace accidents or mistakes often happen. These accidents often become the cause for injuries in the workplace. Most injuries can be attended to and treated by the use of a First Aid kit, but if a problem persists or is more serious, professional healthcare should be sought.
Some of the most common first aid injuries in the workplace include:
- Lacerations, Punctures, Cuts and Tears – These are cases in which there is bleeding from an open wound site. First rise and clean the wound to stop infection, then compress or bind it to stem the bleeding. If the wound does not show signs of healing or it becomes red, swollen, and painful seek further medical attention.
- Sprains, Strains and Pain – Injuries such as these often occur in the office or workplace. The most common treatment is to use painkillers or anti-inflammatory tablets. If a specific limb is affected it can be wrapped up with a bandage or covered with a support to protect the affected area and limit swelling and movement. The area should be elevated if possible and rested. Ice compresses can also be applied to the area for the first 48 to 72 hours for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. If painkillers or anti-inflammatory tablets cures the pain immediately there will be no need to worry any further. But if the problem persists you should consult with a doctor who may refer you to a specialist. Heat compresses, alcohol, running or stressful exercise, and massage of the affected area should be avoided.
- Bruises and Contusions – We often walk or bump into objects and this may cause pain and bruising. First apply a hot compress and keep it on the affected area. If problem is solved then there is no need to worry but if the pain persists so just consult a health professional quickly.
- Fractures – Fractures are broken, cracked, split or shattered bones. The major symptoms will usually be a great deal of pain, color changing of the affected area or bruising, a large amount of swelling, and in most cases immobility or the inability to use the limb. First immobilize the damaged part by splinting or binding it if possible and then quickly take the patient to the hospital or any health center for x-rays, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Burns – These can often occur in the office or workplace and is easily identified by the red swollen area of injury and pain. If someone is burnt immerse the area immediately under cold fresh running water for between 5 and 15 minutes. The area should then be covered by a Burnshield to protect the wound from environmental contaminants. If burnt area is very large or the degree of burn is very severe, seek medical help immediately.
- Chemical Burns or Corrosion – These kinds of burns can be very serious and so severe that they can even cause death. If the chemical or corrosive is a liquid, refer to the first aid guidelines pertaining to that specific chemical and rinse the affected area thoroughly if required. If it is some form of powder brush it away quickly and then rinse if applicable. Cover the affected area with a light bandage to protect the wound from environmental contaminants and seek medical attention.
Nobody likes to think about injuries in the workplace but every possible eventuality should be prepared for and dedicated trained first aid officers should be available at all times. A fully stocked First Aid Kit should also be ready for use and first aid items should always be dutifully replaced and expiration dates checked to keep all stock current.
Have all of these steps in place and it will go a long way to helping deal with injuries in the workplace quickly and effectively.
