Workplace injuries: what to do right now and how to prevent them

Injuries at work happen fast. A slip, a heavy load, or a repetitive task can put you out of action. Knowing the first steps — and how to stop the same thing from happening again — saves time, pain, and money. This guide gives clear, useful actions you can use today.

Immediate steps after an injury

Stop work and make the area safe so no one else gets hurt. If someone is seriously hurt, call emergency services right away. For less serious injuries, follow basic first aid:

- For heavy bleeding: apply pressure with a clean cloth and keep the limb elevated if possible. If bleeding won’t stop, seek emergency care.

- For burns: cool the area under running water for 10–20 minutes. Don’t put creams or ice on severe burns; get medical help.

- For suspected broken bones: immobilize the area, avoid moving the person unnecessarily, and get medical attention.

- For head injuries or signs of concussion (confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness): see a doctor right away even if symptoms seem mild.

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and get checked. Some problems, like internal bleeding or blood clots, don’t show severe symptoms at first but can be serious later.

Reporting, documentation and next steps

Tell your supervisor or safety officer as soon as you can. Follow your employer’s incident report process and get a copy of the report for your records. Take photos of the scene and any equipment involved — they help later if there’s an insurance or compensation claim.

See a doctor and keep all medical reports and receipts. If time off or treatment is needed, check your company’s workers’ compensation process quickly so benefits aren’t delayed. If you use medication as part of treatment, follow the prescriber’s instructions and check trusted sources for safe supply and guidance.

Prevention matters more than anything else. Simple steps reduce most injuries:

- Use the right PPE: gloves, goggles, back support, or hard hats depending on the job.

- Lift with your legs, not your back. Use trolleys or ask for help with heavy loads.

- Take short breaks when doing repetitive tasks. Microbreaks cut fatigue and errors.

- Keep walkways clear and floors dry. Good housekeeping prevents slips and trips.

- Get training on tools and machinery. Even simple refresher training cuts mistakes.

Talk to your safety officer about near misses — they’re warnings that something could go wrong next time. Fix small issues before they cause injury. If a recurring task hurts your body, ask for an ergonomic review. Small changes to a workstation can make a big difference.

If you want more detail on medical risks related to workplace clots or treatments used after serious injuries, check our in-depth guides on embolism and blood-thinning medicines for clear, practical info.

Quick action and sensible prevention keep people working and healthy. Keep this page in mind and share these steps with your coworkers — it’s the simplest way to protect everyone.