Management of traumatic injuries in the workplace

Abstract

Traumatic injuries in the workplace occur from a variety of mechanisms and may produce a wide range of injuries. Critical to the management of these injuries is the knowledge that life saving interventions for airway, breathing, and circulation must take priority. Controlling external bleeding and managing circulation is imperative in the traumatically injured worker. Inadequate control of hemorrhage leads to cellular shock from which the client may never recover. Extremities should be managed appropriate to the specific injury. Careful monitoring of neurovascular status is significant in limb preservation. Amputated parts must be meticulously cared for, with the vision of replantation in mind. Electrical burns are unique burn injuries, as the complete area of damage is not visible. Monitoring cardiac and respiratory function is essential to detect any life threatening abnormalities in all injuries, but is especially important in the electrically injured client. The occupational health nurse can make a significant difference in the outcome of a traumatically injured client in the workplace. Adequate knowledge of treatment modalities, as well as transfer to the most appropriate trauma care facility, can make the difference in obtaining the best possible outcome.