Alice worked as a first aid trainer for more than ten years before transitioning into product management and joining the senior leadership team at Red Cross Training.
Broken bone in the workplace: How first aiders are trained to respond
Find out how first aiders are trained to respond to help someone having a broken bone in the workplace.
In 2023/24 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 604,000 workers had a non-fatal injury at work, 31% of these injuries were caused by a slip, trip or fall. Fractures (other than to fingers, thumbs, or toes) accounted for around 90% of all reported specified injuries in 2023/24. It’s important to note that a fracture and broken bone can mean the same thing. Our guide looks at how to help when someone has a broken bone.
How our training prepares first aiders to help someone with a broken bone in the workplace
Our first aid courses offer an engaging, hands-on approach to preparing first aiders for real-life emergencies. Course attendees can learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of a broken bone in the workplace, alongside practical demonstrations of essential first aid steps to assist someone with such an injury.
Learners gain hands-on experience in tying supportive slings, a fundamental skill for stabilizing arm or shoulder injuries effectively. As part of the training, learners also practice managing spinal injuries using the log-roll technique, which is vital for safely managing the airway of a casualty who may have fallen from height.
In what workplace situations or environments are people likely to have experience a broken bone?
According to the 2023/24 HSE report the following industries had statistically significantly higher workplace non-fatal injury rates, including broken bones, when compared to the average rate across all industries:
- accommodation
- food service activities
- construction
- transportation and storage
- wholesale and retail trade (including motor vehicle repair).
What to do if someone has a broken bone in the workplace
Someone may have a broken bone (also known as a fracture) if they are in a lot of pain, or are lying in an unnatural position, following a fall or a blow from an object.
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- Encourage the person to support the injury with their hand or use a cushion or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movements
- Supporting the injury may help relieve pain and prevent further damage. Support the limb above and below the injury if possible.
- All cases of broken bones require medical assessment; you should arrange appropriate transport to hospital such as by car or taxi for a hand or arm injury or by calling an ambulance if the person has a broken leg. If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
- Continue supporting the injury until help arrives.
How can you be prepared for a broken bone in the workplace?
If they are to effectively manage and reduce the risk of broken bones in the workplace, employers should prioritise safety through comprehensive risk assessments and appropriate training. Conducting a thorough risk assessment allows you to identify potential hazards, such as manual handling tasks or environments where falls are more likely to occur. Providing employees with training on safe manual handling techniques equips them with the knowledge to minimise risks associated with physically demanding tasks.
A first aid needs assessment will help you to critically evaluate your workplace to pinpoint areas where first aid support may be most needed. It also enables you to tailor first aid supplies and training to address the specific risks in your environment, ensuring your team is well-prepared for emergencies.
By implementing these measures and ensuring an adequate number of trained first aiders, you can create a safer workplace while fostering confidence among employees to respond effectively in case of an injury.
The British Red Cross Training First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work Requalification courses feature training on how to help someone who has a broken bone.