Many people suffer from lacerations or cuts in the workplace. They can happen in any work environment, from factories to offices.
Perhaps not surprisingly, cuts and lacerations are among the most common injuries at work. While many may not be serious or require medical care, there are cases where lacerations and cuts can be severe or even life-threatening.
The good news is that employers and employees can take steps to avoid these injuries. Here are three ideas.
1. Make sure you take care of your personal protective equipment
Before work, make sure you look at your equipment and check it for wear, damage or soiling. PPE should not be modified in any way, and if it’s damaged, it should be replaced.
2. Keep work areas clean
Another good tip is to keep your work areas clean. By doing this, you reduce the risk of tripping or running your hands over sharp objects that you didn’t notice.
3. Maintain guards and protective covers
Finally, make sure guards and protective covers are always replaced and used when needed. Having a guard in place on heavy machinery, for example, can prevent people from suffering severe lacerations from sharp blades. Guards and covers protect against accidental contact, so serious injuries don’t happen.
These are three ways to help prevent cuts and lacerations in the workplace. If you do get cut and require medical care, speak with your employer about filing a workers’ compensation claim, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of medical care and can be compensated a portion of your lost wages if you need time off work.
