Essential First Aid for Workshop Injuries

Workshops involve sharp tools, power equipment, and materials that can cause injuries. Knowing basic first aid helps you respond correctly when accidents happen.

Note: This is general guidance, not medical advice. For serious injuries, call 999 or get professional medical help.

First Aid Kit Essentials

Every workshop should have a stocked first aid kit containing at least:

• Assorted plasters (including waterproof)
• Sterile dressings (medium and large)
• Bandages (triangular and conforming)
• Adhesive tape
• Sterile wipes
• Disposable gloves
• Scissors and tweezers
• Eye wash
• Burns dressings
• Basic first aid guide

Check contents regularly. Replace used and expired items.

Common Workshop Injuries

Cuts and Lacerations

From tools, sharp edges, or materials.

Minor cuts:

1. Clean wound with water
2. Apply pressure with clean dressing to stop bleeding
3. Apply plaster or dressing
4. Watch for signs of infection over following days

Serious cuts (deep, won't stop bleeding, or near joints/tendons):

1. Apply firm pressure with clean dressing
2. Elevate if possible
3. Seek medical attention - may need stitches
4. If bleeding is severe, call 999

Splinters

Wood, metal, or fibreglass splinters are common.

1. Clean the area
2. Use tweezers to grip the splinter close to the skin
3. Pull in the direction it entered
4. Clean again and apply plaster if needed

Deep or embedded splinters may need medical removal.

Burns

From heat guns, soldering, hot materials, or friction.

Minor burns (small area, no blistering):

1. Cool immediately under cold running water for at least 10 minutes
2. Remove jewellery near the burn if not stuck
3. Cover with cling film or sterile dressing
4. Don't apply creams, ice, or butter

Serious burns (large area, blistering, deep):

1. Cool with water
2. Call 999 or get to A&E
3. Don't remove clothing stuck to burns
4. Cover loosely with cling film

Eye Injuries

Particles, dust, chemicals, or impact.

Particle in eye:

1. Don't rub
2. Try to flush out with clean water or eye wash
3. If it won't come out, seek medical help

Chemical in eye:

1. Flush immediately with lots of clean water - at least 20 minutes
2. Hold eye open while flushing
3. Seek medical attention
4. Take the chemical container to show doctors

Impact or embedded object:

1. Don't touch or try to remove objects in the eye
2. Cover eye loosely
3. Seek immediate medical attention

Electric Shock

From tools or wiring.

1. Don't touch the person if still in contact with electricity
2. Turn off power at source if safe to do
3. If they're unresponsive, call 999 and start CPR if trained
4. All electric shocks should be checked by a doctor - internal injuries aren't always obvious

Prevention Is Better

Most injuries are preventable with proper PPE and safe practices. Check our PPE range for protection:

• Safety glasses - always when machining or cutting
• Gloves - appropriate for the task
• Hearing protection - with loud tools
• Dust masks - when creating dust

Know Your Limits

First aid is initial response, not treatment. When in doubt, seek professional medical help. It's better to feel embarrassed for overcautious A&E visit than to ignore something serious.