Dealing with Minor Injuries in the Workplace

Abdominal Trauma

For most people, abdominal pain is commonly caused by over-exertion or digestive issues. Symptoms such as vomiting or severe stomach ache can also result from food poisoning and may pass without long-term effects.

However, severe or intense abdominal pain can indicate a serious internal injury or recent trauma.

A life-threatening condition such as peritonitis is an infection of the tissue surrounding the abdomen. It can be recognised by swelling, pain, or tenderness in the abdomen and is often caused by intestinal damage or a diseased appendix.

Any suspected internal abdominal injury should be treated seriously and referred to Emergency Services.

Allergic Reactions (Anaphylactic Shock)

If a patient progresses from a mild allergic reaction into anaphylactic shock, immediate action is required.

Treatment guidelines:

  • Call Emergency Services immediately and state that anaphylaxis is suspected

  • If the casualty has prescribed allergy medication (e.g. an adrenaline auto-injector), help them to use it if trained to do so

  • Sit the casualty upright to aid breathing

  • If they become faint or collapse, lay them down with legs slightly raised

  • Monitor their condition until an ambulance arrives

  • Further doses of adrenaline may be given at intervals if trained

  • Keep the casualty calm and as comfortable as possible

Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds can be caused by:

  • Radiation (sunburn)

  • Dry heat (fire, hot surfaces)

  • Extreme cold

  • Chemicals (acids, solvents)

  • Electricity

Types of burns:

  • First-degree burns – Superficial burns affecting only the top layer of skin. Skin appears red and painful.

  • Second-degree burns – Partial thickness burns where deeper skin layers are damaged. Blistering and swelling may occur, with increased infection risk.

  • Third-degree burns – Full thickness burns where all layers of skin are damaged. The area may appear charred or stiff, with a high risk of shock and infection.

Severe burns require immediate medical attention.

Contusions (Bruises)

Bruising occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged.

Treatment:

  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack gently to the bruised area

  • This helps reduce pain and minimise swelling

Crush Injuries

Crush injuries occur when pressure restricts blood flow to a body part.

If blood flow is restricted for more than 15 minutes, toxins can be released into the bloodstream, leading to Crush Syndrome, which is life-threatening.

Treatment guidelines:

  • Ensure the surrounding area is safe

  • Determine how long the casualty has been trapped

  • If trapped for more than 15 minutes, do not attempt to move them

  • Call Emergency Services immediately

  • If trapped for less than 15 minutes, treat cuts and wounds and limit bleeding

  • Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary

Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes are among the most common workplace injuries. While often minor, they can still lead to infection if untreated.

Minor cuts may be caused by sharp objects, while scrapes remove surface layers of skin.

Treatment:

  • Wear gloves to prevent infection

  • Remove visible debris (glass, gravel, etc.)

  • Clean the wound with sterile wipes or clean water

  • Apply gentle pressure if bleeding continues

  • Cover with a sterile dressing and monitor for infection

Dislocations

A dislocation occurs when the ends of bones are forced out of their normal position within a joint. This is extremely painful and prevents use of the limb.

Common sites include shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, fingers, and wrists.

Treatment:

  • Do not attempt to reposition the joint

  • Call Emergency Services

  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

  • Provide pain relief if appropriate

  • Keep the casualty calm and comfortable

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries range from irritation to serious trauma that may affect vision permanently.

Common causes include:

  • Blows to the eye

  • Foreign objects trapped between the eyelid and eye

  • Cuts or grazes to the surface of the eye

If debris cannot be safely removed or there is bleeding from the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Extreme Cold (Hypothermia and Frostbite)

Frostbite often occurs alongside hypothermia and affects fingers, toes, and extremities.

Treatment guidelines:

  • Warm the casualty slowly

  • Use blankets and remove wet clothing

  • Give warm drinks or chocolate if conscious

  • Cover the head and extremities

  • Avoid rapid rewarming that may cause further damage

Extreme Heat (Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke)

Heat-related illness can escalate quickly and become life-threatening.

Treatment:

  • Move the casualty to a cool area

  • Give plenty of fluids

  • Monitor body temperature

  • If symptoms worsen, call Emergency Services

  • Cool the casualty using wet sheets, fans, or sponging

  • Continue monitoring until medical help arrives

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects may become lodged in the nose, ears, eyes, or other orifices.

General guidance:

  • Do not attempt to remove deeply embedded objects

  • If bleeding persists or removal is unsafe, seek medical help

Nose:

  • Lean the casualty forward

  • Apply pressure to the soft part of the nose

  • If bleeding lasts longer than 30 minutes, call Emergency Services

Eye:

  • Flush gently with clean water if possible

  • If unsuccessful, cover with gauze or an eye pad and seek medical attention

Head Injuries

Head injuries must always be taken seriously.

Treatment:

  • Keep the casualty calm and comfortable

  • If a skull fracture is suspected, do not touch or apply pressure

  • Control bleeding if safe

  • Perform basic life support if required

  • Call Emergency Services for any loss of consciousness or confusion

Small Splinters

Small splinters embedded near the surface of the skin can sometimes be removed safely.

Treatment:

  • Apply a plaster over the splinter and remove it slowly to encourage extraction

  • If the splinter remains embedded or signs of infection appear, refer to a doctor or hospital

Summary

  • Always consider internal injuries and allergic reactions

  • Burns vary in severity and must be assessed carefully

  • Crush injuries become more dangerous over time

  • Dislocations and head injuries should never be self-treated

  • Early and correct First Aid can prevent serious complications

Take The Course

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The Test

How long is the average response time for an Ambulance to attend a Category 1 (Life-Threatening) accident?*
What is a preferable alternative to soap and water when cleaning your hands prior to applying First-Aid?*
Leave cuts and grazes uncovered for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the air dries the wound.*
It is essential that all actions and events at an accident are recorded accurately, and passed to Medical Emergency Services for their own records.*

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

What is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act of 1974 NOT sometimes known as?*
Who is responsible for enforcing the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act of 1974?*
Which one of these items is NOT typically found in a First-Aid room?*
Which of these qualities are NOT essential for a First-Aid trainee?*
Low-level First-Aid equipment (such as plasters or gloves) should be supplied by any Self-Employed personnel working at a property rather than the Employer of the company.*

Fire / Burns / Casualty Care

What is the important “mantra” for dealing with a casualty whose clothes are on fire?*
If a casualty is conscious and lucid, what is one of the first things a First-Aider should ask before treatment?*
What of these is not part of the necessary “ingredients” of Fire (The “Fire Triangle”)?*
A First-Aider has a duty to help those in distress and pain, even if they put themselves in danger.*

Accident Reporting

All details and actions taken during an Accident should be documented accurately for future uses. The Employer is ultimately responsible for the reportage of all workplace accidents (usually via an Accident Book), but the First Aider should also ensure that their observations are recorded correctly. As per RIDDOR requirements, an accident form should be completed by a First-Aider. It must contain all relevant information regarding the incident, and be filled out in a clear and concise manner. Depending on later events, this information may be directly used for further reports or audits.
Who does CLAP stand for?*
What is NOT an appropriate question at a scene survey involving a fall?*
The Purpose of a Primary Survey is to perform an assessment of the Casualty and determine the severity of their injuries.*
The Employer is ultimately responsible for the reportage of all workplace accidents, but the First Aider should also ensure that their observations are recorded correctly.*

Secondary Survey

Which one of these is NOT a distinct step in a Secondary Survey?*
How many breaths does a baby or child take per minute?*
A First-Aider may need to remove or cut some clothing to examine extremities, but should only do this as necessary and with the consent of the casualty.*
A Secondary Survey must be actioned in an Emergency situation before an ambulance is called.*

Record Keeping

When was the “Chain of Survival” first used?*
What does a “Face Shield” aid with?*
What’s the best kind of bandage for an Arm Sling?*
If you don’t have access to bandaging, then clean and strong fabric (such as a scarf) can be an acceptable alternative.*
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