Cuts (lacerations) are common workplace injuries. They can be caused by sharp tools and objects, jagged edges, damaged or altered equipment, slips and trips or glass. As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hands and fingers are the most commonly treated body parts in the nation’s emergency rooms. They’re also the most common body part to suffer a laceration or puncture wound. Arm and facial cuts follow.

Severe Cuts and Punctures
A deep cut or puncture can penetrate every layer of skin and sever muscles and tendons. Major reconstructive surgery can be required. Severe cuts or puncture wounds can have lifelong consequences for a worker. The injuries could result in permanent muscle and nerve damage or amputations. They might even cause a person to bleed to death or die from infection.

Types of Laceration Injuries
There are four different types of laceration injuries that workers can suffer. They’re classified by both the nature and the extent of the injury.

• Cuts from objects like broken glass.
• Gashes that are long and deep.
• Avulsions when skin is torn from the body.
• Abrasions that are like a deep “road rash” injury from a motorcycle accident.

Symptoms
A laceration or puncture wound isn’t going to be difficult to objectively identify. There will be pain, and a victim might fall unconscious due to blood loss. Tissue below the skin and possibly even bone will be seen. Significant disfigurement might be evident.

Treatment
Treating a laceration or puncture wound depends on its location, it’s size and its depth. It should be flushed, and an antiseptic needs to be applied to help prevent infection. Then bandages or a dressing should be applied. If stitching is required, an emergency room visit is in order. Facial lacerations should be treated immediately in order to reduce the chance of permanent scarring. Severe lacerations might require emergency surgery.

Infection
A major medical concern following a severe cut or puncture wound is infection due to contamination. The deeper the cut, the higher the risk of infections becomes. Indications of infection might be discoloration, pus, fever or chills and swelling. Infection can be fatal. If any of those symptoms are experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Report your laceration or puncture wound to your employer right away. You’re entitled to quality medical care when you’ve been injured at work. Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery and physical rehabilitation are expensive. Then there’s the issue of compensation for time lost from the job. A severe workplace injury can financially and emotionally devastate your family.