Elbow injuries can occur in various workplace settings. These incidents can require injury management programs to address them. They can be the result of repetitive motions or a single incident. As a business owner or safety team member, understanding the severity of injuries is essential. Knowing how to assess an injury can help you take the right steps to address it.
How to know if your worker’s elbow injury is serious
- Swelling and bruising — Swelling and bruising can be good visual indicators. If there is noticeable swelling around the joint, it can indicate a serious injury. Development of discolored bruising around the injury site can be another indicator. If bruising and swelling are visible, the injury may require serious medical attention.
- Instability at the joint — It is important to know what the worker is experiencing. Do they know if their elbow injury is serious? How they respond to a question like this can help determine your response. If they feel intense pain or instability, they may have suffered a major injury.
How to act if you know your worker’s elbow injury is serious
- Seek medical attention — If the above signs are present, you should consult a health care professional as soon as possible. Seeking medical attention promptly can help get your worker treated and in recovery in a quick manner.
- Protect the elbow — While waiting for medical attention, it is important to keep the elbow protected. If the elbow is exposed and vulnerable, it can be injured again. A brace or sling can help to immobilize it as a short-term solution.
- Document the incident — After the situation is immediately addressed, documentation is crucial. Keep a record of the time of injury and medical interventions provided. Documentation can also help prevent future injuries in the workplace.
Work-Fit can help you manage and prevent workplace elbow injuries
Need professional help addressing workplace injuries? Work-Fit can help. As a nationwide leader in applying sports medicine in the workplace, we can help manage and prevent worker injuries. Our services include convenient telehealth programs for remote workers. With our help, you can prevent injuries and improve your bottom line.
Contact our team today for more information about our services or to learn how we can help keep your employees safe from elbow injuries.