Common Workplace Injuries and How to Treat Them: Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for many employees. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or even an office, there are always risks associated with your job that could result in an injury. From slips and falls to repetitive strain injuries and more, workplace injuries can cause pain, discomfort, and even long-term health problems.
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate workplace injuries, there are steps that employers and employees can take to prevent them from happening and to minimise their impact when they do occur.
Read on as we discuss the most common workplace injuries and provide tips on how to treat them. We’ll also offer practical advice on how to create a safe work environment and promote workplace safety.
So, whether you’re an employer or an employee, join us as we explore the world of workplace injuries and learn how to keep yourself and your colleagues safe and healthy.
7 Common Workplace Injuries
Burns
Burns are injuries caused by heat, radiation, chemicals, electricity or friction. They are a common workplace injury because workers are often exposed to various sources of heat, such as hot liquids or surfaces, open flames, welding equipment, or chemicals that can cause chemical burns. Burns can range from minor to severe and can cause damage to the skin, underlying tissues, and even internal organs.
Sprains And Strains
Sprains and strains are injuries to the muscles, tendons or ligaments that can occur in any workplace where workers engage in physical activity or heavy lifting.
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of a ligament, which is a band of tissue that connects bones to each other. A strain, on the other hand, is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, which is a cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Sprains and strains are common workplace injuries because workers often engage in physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting or reaching. They can also occur due to slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. Repetitive motions or overuse of specific muscles or joints can also lead to sprains and strains over time.
Cuts And Wounds
Cuts and wounds are injuries that occur when the skin is broken or pierced.In addition to the risk of infection, cuts and wounds can cause significant pain and discomfort, and in severe cases, they can result in loss of function or even permanent damage.
In the workplace, cuts and wounds can occur due to accidents involving machinery or sharp tools, as well as from slips, trips, and falls. Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality are particularly at risk.
Fractures
Fractures are broken bones, and they are a common workplace injury due to the physical demands of many jobs, as well as the potential for accidents involving heavy machinery, equipment, or falling objects. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body, and they can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe breaks that require surgery.
Fractures can result from a single traumatic event, such as a fall, or from repeated stress on the bone over time. Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation are particularly at risk for fractures due to the physical demands of their jobs.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries are a common workplace injury due to the exposure to hazardous materials, debris, and other objects that can cause damage to the eyes. It can range from minor scratches or irritations to more serious injuries such as burns or punctures that can cause permanent damage to the eyes or even lead to blindness.
Common causes of eye injuries in the workplace include exposure to chemicals, flying debris, sparks or hot particles, and ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure is a common workplace injury that occurs when workers come into contact with hazardous chemicals or substances that can cause harm to their health. It can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the hazardous substance, and it can cause a wide range of acute and chronic health problems.
Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and healthcare are particularly at risk for chemical exposure due to the use of various chemicals and substances in their work processes.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries are a common workplace injury that occurs as a result of performing repetitive motions or tasks for extended periods. These types of injuries can develop over time and can affectmuscles, tendons, nerves, and joints.
Repetitive motion injuries can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness, tingling, and weakness. In some cases, these injuries can lead to shoulder dislocations or worse, long-term disability and the need for medical treatment.
How To Treat Workplace Injuries
First aid is crucial for workplace injuries as it provides immediate medical assistance to injured workers before they can be transported to a medical facility for further treatment. Quick and appropriate first aid can help prevent the injury from worsening and can even save lives.
First Aid for Burns: Run cool water over the burned area for at least 10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean cloth. If the burn is severe or covers a large area, call for emergency medical services.
First aid for Sprains and strains: Rest the affected body part and apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain. Elevate the affected body part above the heart to reduce swelling. Compress the affected area with a bandage to support and immobilize the injury.
First Aid for Cuts and wounds: Clean the wound with soap and water and apply direct pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. Apply an antiseptic ointment to the wound and cover it with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. If the wound is deep or wide, or if there is a foreign object in the wound, seek medical attention.
First aid for Fractures: Immobilise the affected body part by using a splint or by wrapping the affected body part with a bandage. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain. Seek medical attention immediately.
First aid for Eye injuries: Flush the affected eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes to remove any foreign objects. If a chemical has been splashed in the eye, continue flushing while seeking medical attention. Cover the affected eye with a sterile bandage or clean cloth and seek medical attention.
First aid for Chemical exposure: Remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
It is important to note that these basic first aid techniques are not substitutes for medical treatment. In case of a serious injury or if symptoms persist, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
When To Seek Professional Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention for workplace injuries if the injury is severe, doesn’t improve with basic first aid, has a risk of infection, affects vision or mobility, involves a head injury, or involves chemical exposure.
It’s always better to be on the side of caution and seek medical attention when in doubt, as delaying medical attention can worsen the injury and increase the risk of complications.
Learn First Aid
Workplace injuries can happen at any time, and being prepared with the knowledge of first aid techniques can make all the difference in providing immediate care and preventing further harm. That’s why it’s essential to learn basic first aid techniques and know when to seek medical attention.
If you’re looking for a reliable and comprehensive first aid course, consider First Aid Course Perth. With our experienced trainers and practical approach, you can gain the confidence and skills you need to handle any workplace emergency.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – enroll in a first aid course today and make workplace safety a priority.
