Cuts & Lacerations at Work

Cuts and Lacerations at Work

Cuts and lacerations are one of the most common workplace injuries, most of which are to the hands and fingers. Lacerations are medically defined as ‘a wound that is produced by the tearing of soft body tissue and tends to be irregular and jagged. Many lacerations include multiple cuts that can range in severity, of which some can affect the victims overall health both short and long term.

How do cuts and lacerations occur at work?

More often than not they are caused by a breach of health and safety precautions. Leaving sharp edges or points exposed around the workplace and machine blades unguarded can be extremely dangerous. Poor lighting, clutter and debris can also play a part as can a lack of training, failure to wear personal protective equipment and not following safety procedures. The most commonly reported accidents that result in cuts and lacerations are:

• when you suffer a fall
• when a part of the body comes into contact with a blade or sharp moving machinery
• when you are cut by a tool routinely used in the workplace

How can cuts and lacerations be prevented in the workplace?

Maintain all cutting tools – tools must be thoroughly inspected regularly. Tools that are in good working order are less likely to malfunction and cause injury

• regular safety training – workers can become complacent, reminders are critical to keep workers injury free. New starters should also not be allowed to start until they fully understand all safety protocols
• provide well maintained PPE that fits including eyewear and gloves

Deep lacerations can be extremely painful and can result in severe scarring, if the scar becomes infected the scarring can become much worse. Skin grafts may be necessary where there have been injuries involving significant tissue damage. In very severe injuries surgery may be required, an extremely severe laceration may even result in amputation. Laceration injuries typically require stitching or gluing which helps to prevent infection and promote healing. The sooner the injury is treated the better.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence you may have the grounds for a compensation claim. Compensation for a work related injury can help to reimburse you for any loss of earnings and help get your life back on track. Our specialist solicitors are ready to help! To begin a claim or for further advice call us free on 0800 028 2060.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your Accident At Work claim – either by calling us free on 0800 028 2060, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choice, to discuss your situation.

We’re here to help – contact us today.