Sharp objects in the workplace can be pretty dangerous due to how they can cause cuts. However, some sharp objects can also cause puncture wounds. These injuries are a bit different than cuts, so it’s important to know how to avoid and treat them…
Puncture Wounds: Avoidance & Treatment
Punctures vs. cuts
It’s important to know the distinction between puncture wounds compared to cuts. Usually, people tend to get cuts at work when they scrape something sharp against their skin. Many times, these cuts tend to be just on the surface of your skin. However, deeper ones can make their way to the muscle, causing serious injury.
Punctures, on the other hand, are usually narrower and deeper than cuts. They’re usually caused when a sharp object goes through your skin rather than across it. As a result, puncture wounds can end up causing damage to your muscles much quicker. They also present a higher risk of infections.
Avoiding them
Avoiding puncture wounds is pretty similar to how you’d avoid cuts. The main thing you’ll want to do is watch for any sharp objects which could easily puncture your skin. For example, this could include nails, tacks, knives, or other similar objects. Watch yourself when working around or with these items, and you can seriously lower the risk of injury.
You can also take some extra steps to keep yourself safe. For instance, it might help to wear some protective gear when handling these sharper items. That way, in case something does go wrong, you can possibly prevent getting punctured. It’s always best to be safe instead of sorry!
Treatment
However, despite taking steps to avoid puncture wounds, there might be times where they still happen. In these situations, it’s important to know how to treat them. First, check if there’s any debris in the wound. It’s important to remove it quickly to prevent future infections.
Then, check if anything like a blood vessel or tendon got punctured as well. If it was a “clean” puncture, then you might only need to clean and cover it up. However, if it was a deep or full puncture, and especially by a dirty or rusty object, you might want to seek medical attention.