What Does
Abrasion Mean?
An abrasion is an injury caused by the wearing down, rubbing away, or removal of the superficial layers of skin (up to epidermis) or mucous membrane of a specific area.
It may cause little or no bleeding (grazes or scrapes) and is less damaging than a laceration. A more severe abrasion, referred to as an avulsion, may cause bleeding by damaging all the three layers of the skin up to the subcutaneous layer.
Safeopedia Explains Abrasion
Abrasion injuries generally occur when exposed skin comes into contact with rough surfaces, which might include:
- A rough surface (walls, doors, machines, working tools or instruments) in relative motion with the skin
- A spinning grinding stone or other rough surfaces of a rotary machine or tool
- Any rough surface during a slip, trip, or fall in the workplace
Levels of Severity of Abrasion Injuries
There are three degrees of abrasions:
- First degree abrasions occurs at the epidermal layer of the skin. It does not normally bleed, but mucous is seen on the affected area.
- Second degree abrasions reaches the epidermis and dermis level and may bleed slightly.
- Third degree abrasions reaches the subcutaneous layer through the epidermis and dermis. It is most commonly known as an avulsion.
Preventing Abrasions
Workers can be protected from abrasions by implementing preventative measures such as:
- Ensuring that walking surfaces are clean and dry
- Providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Training workers on how to avoid injuries (including abrasions) when using tools and equipment
Treating Abrasion Injuries
First aid for abrasions in the workplace includes:
- Cleaning the wound with clean water
- Application of an antiseptic solution or cream to the affected area
- Covering the cleaned wound with a sterile dressing
- If there is bleeding, apply pressure directly to the wound to stop the blood flow
- If the wound continues to bleed, seek appropriate medical assistance
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