Background
Occupational Health Services (OHS) recently responded to an incident at a food manufacturing plant that had the potential to become a recordable injury. Thanks to our prompt onsite care, we successfully addressed the situation, allowing the employee to return to work without restrictions.
Incident Details
The employee sustained a laceration to the right side of his forehead when he accidentally raised his head into an overhead worktable. The injury resulted in a 2.5-inch superficial laceration extending from the hairline to the frontal area of the scalp. The employee remained alert and oriented, denying any loss of consciousness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache. His vital signs were stable, with a blood pressure of 124/76.
Examination Findings
Our onsite medical team conducted a thorough examination. The laceration was a superficial flap-type wound with angulated edges. There was no active bleeding, and the wound showed good approximation.
Treatment Provided
The wound was treated promptly and effectively onsite:
- Cleaning and Preparation: The laceration was carefully cleaned and prepped to prevent infection.
- Closure: Three Steri-Strips were applied to achieve proper wound approximation and secure hemostasis.
- Antibiotic Ointment and Dressing: A topical antibiotic ointment was applied, and the area was dressed with a Band-Aid to protect the wound.
Outcome
The employee was provided with instructions for follow-up care, including reevaluation later in the day or the following morning. The treatment allowed the individual to return to work immediately with no restrictions.
Key Takeaways
This case underscores the value of OHS’s onsite health services in preventing recordable injuries:
- By providing immediate care, we avoided the need for external medical treatment, minimizing downtime and potential OSHA recordables.
- Our team ensured that the employee could safely resume full work activities while reducing the likelihood of complications.
Conclusion
This incident highlights how OHS’s swift response can mitigate workplace injuries and support employee health and productivity. By delivering professional medical care directly onsite, we help employers maintain compliance, reduce injury rates, and prioritize employee well-being.
