How to handle bleeding in the workplace
Workplace injuries always happen unexpectedly.
Responding effectively to bleeding injuries can make the difference between a minor incident and a major medical emergency.
Understanding how to properly manage bleeding in the workplace is an essential skill for all employees, regardless of their role or industry.
This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to take when confronted with workplace bleeding, from minor cuts to more severe injuries, while adhering to Australian workplace health and safety standards.
Risks associated with workplace bleeding
Bleeding injuries in Australian workplaces can range from minor paper cuts in offices to serious lacerations, and even amputations, in industrial settings.
According to Safe Work Australia, cuts and open wounds account for approximately 14% of workplace injuries requiring time off work. These incidents can occur across all industries but are particularly common in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and food service sectors.
The risks associated with workplace bleeding extend beyond the immediate injury. Without proper management, even minor wounds can lead to serious infection, prolonged recovery times, or medical complications.
Additionally, blood-borne pathogens are a significant risk to both the injured person and those providing first aid. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of proper bleeding management protocols.
Brenniston Bleed First Aid Kits are designed to meet safety requirements in high-risk environments where machinery, tools and sharp instruments present occupational hazards
Essential first aid supplies for bleeding management
Every Australian workplace must legally maintain a well-stocked first aid kit that complies with Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace.
The contents specifically relevant to bleeding management include:
- Adhesive dressings in various sizes
- Wound dressings in various sizes
- Combine dressings in various sizes
- Low-adherent dressings
- Sterile gauze swabs
- Conforming bandages
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Disposable nitrile gloves
- Scissors and/or shears
- Antiseptic or saline
- Thermal shock blanket
- First aid instruction booklet
Workplaces with specific hazards or in remote locations may require additional specialised equipment such as tourniquets or military trauma and haemorrhage dressings.
Regular audits of first aid supplies are essential to ensure all items remain in-date and functional.
For all your workplace first aid kits and workplace first aid supplies, visit the Brenniston website
Addressing mental health during bleeding emergencies
An often overlooked aspect of workplace bleeding incidents is the psychological impact.
Witnesses to severe bleeding events may experience shock, anxiety, or trauma responses. The injured person might also experience psychological distress beyond the physical pain of their injury.
Australian workplace health and safety legislation recognises psychological health as equally important as physical wellbeing.
Employers should ensure that post-incident support is available, which may include:
- Immediate reassurance and calm communication during the emergency
- Post-incident debriefing sessions
- Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Consideration of psychological first aid training for designated first aiders
- Clear communication about the incident investigation and preventive measures
This holistic approach acknowledges that effective management of bleeding incidents extends beyond physical first aid to encompass psychological wellbeing.
Step-by-step response to minor bleeding incidents
Minor bleeding typically involves small cuts or abrasions with controlled blood flow. When addressing minor bleeding in the workplace:
- Ensure safety - Check that the area is safe for both the injured person and yourself
- Apply infection control measures - Wash your hands thoroughly and put on disposable gloves before handling any bleeding wound
- Clean the wound - Gently rinse the wound with clean water or saline solution to remove any visible dirt or debris
- Control bleeding - Apply gentle pressure using a clean gauze or cloth directly over the wound for 5-10 minutes
- Dress the wound - Once bleeding has slowed or stopped, apply an appropriate sterile dressing. For minor cuts, an adhesive plaster may be sufficient. For larger wounds, apply a low-adherent dressing pad and secure with hypoallergenic tape or a conforming bandage.
- Document the incident - Record the details in your workplace incident register, including the nature of the injury, first aid provided, and any follow-up actions recommended.
- Monitor for complications - Advise the injured person to watch for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, and to seek medical attention if these occur
Minor bleeding incidents, when managed promptly and effectively, typically result in straightforward recovery without the need for professional medical intervention.
Managing severe bleeding emergencies in the workplace
Severe bleeding presents a more urgent situation requiring immediate and decisive action.
In cases of severe bleeding:
- Follow DRSABCD – Be aware of dangers to yourself and others.
- Call for emergency assistance - Direct someone to call Triple Zero (000) immediately while you begin first aid.
- Apply direct pressure - Using a clean cloth, gauze pad, or even clothing if necessary, apply firm, direct pressure to the wound. Maintain this pressure continuously.
- Do not remove an embedded object - A knife, nail or other object implanted in the wound may be helping to slow the flow of blood. Apply padding and pressure around it and leave the removal to a medical professional.
- Position the injured person - Have them lie down and, if possible, elevate the bleeding area above the level of the heart to help reduce blood flow to the wound
- Apply a pressure bandage - If the bleeding continues, apply a pressure bandage over the wound dressing, wrapping it firmly but not so tight that it restricts circulation
- Monitor for shock - Watch for signs of shock, including pale clammy skin, rapid breathing, weakness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. If shock is suspected, keep the person warm and maintain their airway until emergency services arrive.
- Do not remove blood-soaked dressings - If blood soaks through the dressing, add additional layers on top rather than removing the original dressing, which may disrupt any clotting that has begun
- Use a tourniquet only if necessary – A tourniquet should only be used in a life-threatening situation when bloodflow from a severed artery or limb cannot be controlled by direct pressure. In Australia, tourniquets are generally only recommended for use by those with specific training.
- Provide clear handover to emergency services - When paramedics arrive, provide concise information about the injury, the time it occurred, and the first aid measures taken
Severe bleeding requires urgent professional medical treatment, and the primary goal of workplace first aid is to stabilise the situation until medical help arrives.
Brenniston Trauma First Aid Kits offer targeted first aid for substantial and multiple bleeding trauma injuries
Legal obligations for bleeding management in Australian workplaces
Australian employers have specific legal obligations regarding first aid provisions under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. These include:
- Providing appropriate first aid equipment and facilities based on workplace risk assessment
- Ensuring access to trained first aid personnel during working hours
- Developing and communicating clear emergency procedures
- Maintaining records of all workplace injuries and treatment provided
- Reporting notifiable incidents to the relevant state or territory authority
Non-compliance with these obligations can result in significant penalties.
More importantly, inadequate first aid provisions may lead to worse outcomes for injured workers.
Employers should regularly review their first aid arrangements to ensure they remain appropriate for the specific risks present in their workplace.
Special considerations for high-risk industries
Certain industries present higher risks for severe bleeding incidents and may require additional precautions:
- Construction and manufacturing - These industries often involve work with sharp tools, heavy machinery, and building materials that may cause lacerations. Enhanced PPE requirements, specialised first aid training, and strategically located bleeding control kits are essential.
- Healthcare settings - Healthcare workers face unique risks related to needlestick injuries and exposure to patients’ blood. Strict adherence to standard precautions and specific protocols for sharps injuries are critical.
- Remote workplaces - In remote locations such as mining sites or agricultural properties, emergency medical services may be significantly delayed. Enhanced first aid provisions, including advanced bleeding control training and equipment, are necessary.
- Commercial kitchens and food processing facilities - The combination of sharp implements, hot surfaces, and fast-paced work makes commercial kitchens and food processing facilities, such as abbatoirs, high-risk environments for bleeding injuries. Cut-resistant gloves and specific training on knife safety can help prevent incidents.
These high-risk environments should develop comprehensive bleeding management plans that address their specific hazards and operational contexts.
Brenniston Haemorrhage Control Kits feature the CAT G7 tourniquet to stop arterial blood flow from a limb or extremity
Training requirements for effective bleeding management
Safe Work Australia recommends that workplaces have an adequate number of trained first aiders based on the size, location, and risk profile of the organisation.
For effective bleeding management, training should include:
- Basic first aid certification (including bleeding management) for designated first aiders
- General awareness training for all staff covering basic response steps
- Regular refresher courses to maintain skills and confidence
- Scenario-based practice for high-risk workplaces
- Specific training on the use of any specialised equipment such as tourniquets or haemostatic agents
Training should be provided by registered training organisations (RTOs).
Well-trained staff are more likely to respond calmly and effectively during bleeding emergencies, potentially improving outcomes for injured colleagues.
Conclusion
Managing bleeding in the workplace effectively requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses training, preparation, appropriate supplies, and clear procedures.
By understanding the different types of bleeding injuries and their management, Australian workplaces can ensure they provide timely and effective care when incidents occur. This not only meets legal obligations but also demonstrates a commitment to worker wellbeing and safety.
Remember that bleeding management is just one component of a broader workplace health and safety strategy.
Regular risk assessments, hazard elimination or control measures, and ongoing training are essential to prevent bleeding incidents from occurring in the first place.
Confident, well-equipped employees ready to respond can make all the difference in minimising the impact of workplace bleeding incidents.
References
Safe Work Australia - First aid in the workplace - Code of Practice