Accidents & Injuries

Risk assessment Risk assessments are a very important part of the safety system in college and the workplace. Every piece of equipment that you use and task that you perform should have a risk assessment performed on it to evaluate the potential harm to you, others or the equipment itself and the likelihood of this harm happening. Risk assessment can be formally (in writing), or informally depending on the complexity of the task or the requirements of the customer or employer. During the course of your training you will be expected to do your own risk assessments this will give you a better understanding of the risks associated with producing your practice and assessment pieces.

Risk assessment A risk assessment should consider:- –The likely hood of anything going wrong –The severity of anything that might go wrong –Who might be hurt if something goes wrong –What control measures are in place –Any additional control measures that you recommend.

Near miss A near miss is when something does or could go wrong but no one was hurt and not equipment and machinery destroyed. Why do you think near misses should be reported? Near misses are reported to make sure they do not happen again, because next time someone might be hurt.

Hazardous malfunction A hazardous malfunction is when something goes wrong as a direct result of a piece of equipment or machinery failure. Can you think of an example of a hazardous malfunction? –A lifting chain snapping –An arm on a pipe bender breaking

Dangerous occurrence A dangerous occurrence is when something has gone wrong or has the potential to cause harm that was directly caused by the actions or inactions of a person. Can you think of an example of a dangerous occurrence? –Blocking a fire exit –Placing a trip hazard across a walkway

Accident procedure It is vital that when you see an accident or find someone who has been injured that you act; –Quickly –Appropriately –Calmly

Accident procedure Raise the alarm! You need to get help the situation could deteriorate and you may be unable to deal with it. Send someone to get help or use your phone. If you are calling the emergency services talk calmly so they can hear all of the information. Have all of the information that you need; condition of the person, address & location, your name, etc. Remove anything that might cause further injury from the area. DO NOT remove anything from the person this could be fatal! Apply first aid if you have been trained, or assist any first aider. Fill in the accident book.

Accident form Each company can have its own accident form or book or they can buy generic ones. The layout of the book or form does not matter as long as the required information is captured.

Accident form Name and contact details or person reporting accident. Name and contact details of person / persons involved in accident. Details of the accident. Details of any injures. Usually a description with sketches if necessary of what happened, this is in case there needs to be a further investigation.

ABC Airways –check that the airways are not blocked clear if they are. Breathing –Check the person is breathing Cardiovascular –Check that the heart is beating

CPR Cardio - to do with the heart. Pulmonary - to do with the lungs. Resuscitation - to revive or bring back. CPR is the process of maintaining brain function in non- responsive unconscious people. It keeps an oxygenated flow of blood flowing through the body by externally stimulating the heart and forcing air into the lungs. It is recommended that untrained rescuers do not give the ‘kiss of life’ but instead concentrate on the chest compressions; 100 chest compressions per minuet approximately 5cm deep

Minor Cuts It must be stressed that you should only deal with minor injuries, as wounds can become infected and lead to serious complications. Small cut should be washed to make sure that they are clean and free of any debris. Dry the cut with a clean sterile wipe. Apply a plaster to the wound. Report to first aider so the treatment can be recorded in the first aid book.

Minor Burns Burns can be very serious. Only small superficial burns should be treated more serious burns should be dealt with be professionals. Burns should not be dressed but placed under the cold water tap to cool the burn and surrounding flesh. The heat from the burn will stay in the flesh for sometime causing damage so keep the burn under water for a considerable time.

Objects in the Eye Eyes are very sensitive and critically important to the quality of life so if you are not sure do not attempt to help. If the person has dust or particles in the eye an eye wash should be used to was the debris out. If there is anything sticking in or out of the eye do not touch it or remove it, seek professional advice.

Electric shock If you come across someone who is unconscious and you think that electricity might have been involved, you must take extra care. If you touch someone who is still connected to the electrical supply you can also receive a shock. The person needs to be isolated from the power source. If you have access to an isolation switch turn it off, if you cannot find the switch use a insulated / nonconductive material (eg wood / plastic) to remove them from the power supply.