Fractures are relatively common injuries in both workplaces and homes across South Africa. From construction sites and warehouses to sports fields and everyday households, a broken bone is an emergency that requires immediate first aid.
Administering the proper first aid for fractures can help reduce the casualty’s pain and suffering at the scene, prevent further injury from taking place, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
A fracture is a break, crack, or splinter in a bone. The break can range from a small crack that is difficult to detect, to a complete break where the bone separates into two or more pieces.
Fractures can happen due to:
In the workplace, fractures often occur in industries like construction, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, where employees face physical risks daily.
Understanding different types of fracture can help First Aiders assess the severity of an injury and respond correctly.
A closed fracture occurs when the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin. The injury may cause swelling, bruising, deformity, and severe pain.
An open fracture occurs when the broken bone breaks through the skin. This type of fracture is a medical emergency because of the high risk of infection and heavy bleeding.
This type of fracture is more common in children. The bone bends and cracks rather than breaking completely.
Stress fractures develop over time due to repeated strain or overuse. These are common in sports and physically demanding work environments.
First Aiders in both workplaces and homes are most likely to encounter fractures caused by slips, falls, and impact injuries.
Wrist fractures frequently occur when people fall onto an outstretched hand. They are one of the most common fractures treated by First Aiders.
Arm fractures often happen when someone tries to ‘break their fall’ using their hands. These injuries are common in office environments, schools, construction sites, and homes.
These fractures are very common in home and workplace environments due to crush injuries, dropped objects, or equipment accidents.
Leg and ankle fractures are frequently caused by slips, trips, falls from height, or sports injuries. In workplaces such as warehouses and construction sites, these injuries may be more common.
Rib fractures often occur during vehicle accidents, falls, or physical impact. These fractures can be dangerous because they may affect the casualty’s breathing or cause an internal injury.
Signs and symptoms of a fracture may include:
If any of the above signs are present, the injury must be treated as a suspected fracture.
Before assisting the casualty, check that the environment is safe for yourself, any bystanders, and the casualty. This is especially important in workplace incidents where machinery may be involved.
The goal of the primary survey is to immediately identify and treat any life-threatening injuries:
D – Danger
R – Response
A – Airway
B – Breathing
C – Call and Circulation
D – Defibrillation
Ensure that an ambulance is on the way before you begin attending to the casualty’s fracture.
If it is an open fracture (bone protruding through the skin), cover the wound with a sterile dressing or gauze and secure it in place with a bandage.
Support the injured body part to stop it from moving. This is important to prevent further injury and reduce pain.
Apply a padded splint to the fracture and secure it in place with a bandage. Support the limb while you wrap the bandage around the splint and limb from the furthest point of the limb inwards (that is, from the wrist towards the elbow, or from the elbow towards the shoulder). Do not apply the bandage too tightly; frequently check the casualty’s pulse at the wrist or capillary refill to ensure that there is sufficient circulation to the extremities.
If possible, secure the injured limb to an uninjured body part (for example, with a sling) to provide stability and stop the limb from moving.
Continue to monitor the casualty for signs of shock, including pale skin, rapid breathing, or dizziness. Keep the casualty warm and reassured until paramedics arrive.
South African employers have a legal duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to have certified First Aiders in the workplace. Trained First Aiders help to:
Of course, the benefits of first aid training extend well beyond the workplace. Proper training equips individuals to respond effectively to emergencies at home, schools, sports events, and public spaces.
All fractures should be treated as serious injuries until medically assessed. Even small fractures can lead to complications if treated incorrectly.
Yes. Immobilising the injured area is one of the most important steps in first aid for fractures.
Yes, the emergency services should always be contacted if a fracture is suspected.
Our Basic Emergency First Aid Responder course provides practical, hands-on training aligned with South African health and safety legislation requirements. You will learn how to assess injuries, stabilise and splint fractures, and respond effectively to a wide range of medical emergencies. Book your training now and equip yourself with essential first aid skills.
Ensure that you always have a correctly stocked First Aid Box in your workplace as per the Regulation 7.
Download our free checklist to keep on hand so that your are to respond to emergencies effectively.
